Greg Matney - Partners Worldwide

Bush and Clinton Visit Partners Worldwide Member

2010-03-23T05:53:00.001-07:00

You may recall my blog post on Maxima Cabinet and Coffin manufacturing company, based in Port au Prince, Haiti. If not, here is a link to that post, http://globalgreg.blogspot.com/2008/03/maxima-cabinet-and-casket-making.html.

Just received word that they were visited by Former Presidents Clinton and Bush!

Global Volunteerism in a Flat World

2010-03-20T04:00:00.000-07:00

When Partners Worldwide started nearly 15 years ago, the model of volunteering was simpler. A group of North American businesspeople would take 1 or 2 week trips to a country in Africa or Latin America, identify worthy entrepreneurs, and build relationships around mentoring and training those individuals.

Now, the world has changed. No longer does our organization, or any progressive volunteer partnership organization, assume that North Americans are somehow naturally qualified to be the giver, instead of the recipient of technical skills to build a business. One may assume that I'll prove this case in emerging market '2nd world' countries, but I'll state my case in... Haiti.

I'd say the largest strength of the Partners Worldwide organization is the caliber of international entrepreneurs that we've been able to rally around the cause of using your business as a service to your community (partnersworldwide.org). This is not with the 'poorest of the poor', but with the movers and shakers in the business community who can then reach out and employ the economically less privileged.

The reality of 'flat world' volunteerism first hit me in Port au Prince, Haiti. I was with two retired business executives, and we were touring one man's business, seeing ways we could inject their acumen into the Haiti-context. Taking us from one land development project, to a wholesale produce and non-perishable business, to a grocery store, to an office comples - it hit me. This entrepreneur needs to fly out to our global office in Grand Rapids, MI, and promote entrepreneurism and innovation!

Since this initial experience, I've been on the lookout for "flat world" volunteerism experiences, and I continue to find them in the most unusual places - Vientiane, Laos; Mombasa, Kenya; Dhaka, Bangladesh.

SO - as a US-based volunteer organization, what do we do with this reality? How do we adapt?

Particularly in Asia, Partners Worldwide is making concerted efforts to identify these High-Impact Entrepreneurs, whose business acumen can be contextualized to help the SME and micro-entrepreneur. In Asia, the two regional hubs for identifying this new 21st century breed of skill-based business volunteers are Hyderabad, India and Hong Kong, SAR.

In Hong Kong, Partners Worldwide is nearing launch of a major initiative to engage business execs and proven entrepreneurs to partner with SME and microentrepreneurs in China, Philippines, Cambodia, and Laos. One such example of a HK mentor based partnership (not initiated by Partners Worldwide), is with Sam, who partnered with coffee farmers in rural Laos, and started Bolaven Farms (bolavenfarms.com).

In Hyderabad, the 21st century volunteers are already engaged! You may not know, but Hyderabad is a new hub of global business; with corporations such as Novartis, Infosys, Microsoft, ICICI, among countless others hosting their regional offices in this locale. Partners Worldwide is working with 55 entrepreneurs, building relationships, and providing opportunities for them to reach out and engage micro and SME businesses. One example is First2Products - a global distribution company that sells socially beneficial products - think of it as a flat-line Amway model. The Hyderabad High-Impact Entrepreneurs (HIE's) can identify worthy emerging entrepreneurs to market these products in both rural and urban areas. In addition, the Hyderabad HIE's are advising the structure of this new social enterprise (first2products.com), to ensure it adequately meets the needs of its consumers. This is just one example of hosts of 'flat-world' scenarios I've recently experienced.

So where is the future in volunteering? It's Manila to Vientiane, its Hyderabad to Kolkata, its Hong Kong to Phnom Penh. The not-so-distant future even extends to Nairobi-Grand Rapids volunteers , and Port-au-Prince to Portland. This is certainly an accomplishment to the first efforts of Partners Worldwide and other organizations in charting the course. Now, let's see how this new 'flat world' endeavor unfolds...

There Are 2 Kinds of People...

2010-03-15T22:15:00.000-07:00

Read this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox today, and I had to share:

There are to kinds of people on earth today,

Just two kinds of people, no more, I say.

Not the good and the bad, for 'tis well understood

That the good are half-bad and the bad are half-good.

No! The two kinds of people on earth I mean

Are the people who lift and the people who lean.

Be a lifter!

Can You Really Build a $50 Manufacturing Franchise?

2010-03-09T07:39:00.001-08:00

Yes!

Meet Gene Koning - he has spent his career making eye glasses affordable across the world. He's 84 years old and still going! Gene has found that the most sustainable way to accomplish this end is to create eye-glass manufacturing 'micro-franchises.' Gene has identified suppliers across the world that allow total costs to be less than $.50. These are not cheap eyeglasses bought from a warehouse, these are locally manufactured, job-creating glasses.

Here's how it works. There are 2 products for sale - the 'microfranchise toolkit' to manufacture the glasses, and the glasses themselves. The toolkit sells for less than $50, and the glasses sell for around $.50. These reading glasses are part of a larger global distribution business titled First2Products. (www.first2products.com) - a grouping of socially oriented, market-driven products sold through 'relational brokers'. These brokers are businesspeople that connect the distributors to the entrepreneurs, who then sell the products to the end-user.

These glasses aren't trendy, but they are functional. India is said to have 600,000 villages, and so there is a large opportunity to meet a 'functional' need when the market has overlooked these consumers, as people largely unwilling to pay for 'trendy' glasses. Other business development organizations provide reading glasses for $4, so we have identified an opportunity to truly meet the needs of the 'Bottom of the Pyramid.'

Today - we trained 12 individuals on eyeglasses manufacturing. The entire training is 2 days. One pair of glasses can be made in about 10 minutes. If someone purchases a 'toolkit', makes 30 glasses in a day, sells half of them, then they could easily make $6 per day. This may not sound significant, but we're targeting rural, unemployed, emerging entrepreneurs.

Please write gregm@partnersworldwide.org if you are interested in learning more about this 'microfranchise toolkit,' or comment on www.first2products.com. We are currently active in Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.

A Change in Plans

2010-03-09T03:56:00.000-08:00

Greetings to All,

I wanted to share with you a change that has recently taken place in mine and Abhineeta's plans. I'm happy to announce that we're now relocating to Hyderabad, India. Here's how it all happened:

Abhineeta and I left the US for India the day after Christmas. Part of our reason for traveling was to spend time with Abhineeta's family, but another large part was for me to meet with our Partners Worldwide leaders in India. During the next 2 months, I was planning to take a few trips back and forth between India and Cambodia to establish our home and living/working situation, before I ultimately had Abhineeta shift to Cambodia. This was to ease the transition for her during her pregnancy.

During this same trip to Hyderabad, God was stirring my heart through our Partners Worldwide membership that Hyderabad would be a great alternative for a Regional Headquarters for Partners Worldwide - Asia. Business members were sharing about the opportunities for BAM growth in the country, many business development organizations have called Hyderabad their regional home (such as Acumen Fund), and the airport was recently rated the best airport in the world for customer service (http://www.hyderabad.aero/)! Additionally, God had given others this same feeling he had given me.

After the decision was made, we found an absolutely outstanding home, we received a significant grant/loan towards our work in India.

More to share, but just wanted to give this new announcement!

Mumbai International Christian Chamber of Commerce Event

2010-03-07T01:08:00.001-08:00

ICCC Dimensions Global Meet 2010 – January 22/23.

Conference Highlights

The International Christian Chamber of Commerce/Dimensions Global Meet in Mumbai brought together the highest caliber of Christian professionals in India. During an informal survey, over 350 of the 400 plus attendees identified themselves as business owners. I was fortunate to meet well over 100 of the speakers and attendees and exchange business cards. Speakers included Dr. Ravi Zacharias, the CEO of Goldman Sachs – India, CEO of Citi Group – India, Sales Executive who brought Eureka Forbes to India, the USA Consulate, the Israeli Consulate, CEO of Grameen Bank – India, Tata Executive, Supreme Court Lawyer, Managing Director of India’s 3rd and newest Stock Exchange, and Marketing Executive who assimilated Citi Bank, Toyota and several international companies into the Indian market.

I’d like to highlight some of the connections and opportunities that I plan to intentionally pursue. I clearly felt the Lord’s hand of blessing over me during this entire conference!

·Mr. Gul Kripalani is the President of ICCC India and the Convener of this event. He also holds the leadership positions of President of the Indian Merchants Chamber, and National President of the Indo-Israeli and Indo-Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Gul had a personal relationship with nearly every speaker invited. We had connected by email/phone prior to the event, and he welcomed me with open arms, and introduced me to all of the high-impact speakers and attendees. I am very grateful for his support and referrals.

·The CEO of Goldman Sachs shared a very exciting picture of how the company viewed India. They estimate over 8% GDP growth for the next decade, and $1.7T in investments worthy of their interest over the next decade. The challenge he said, though, was people and international companies that understood India. In a renowned survey, India was ranked 122nd, in regards to the ease of doing business. Singapore was 1st, the US was 3rd, and even Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh were said to be ‘easier’ countries to do business. This shows the challenge many will have in meeting the opportunity present in India.

·Over a dozen businesses and ministries wanted to explore partnership with Partners Worldwide and First2Products- including branding/advertising firms, sales/marketing firms, logistics/operations/inventory management companies, and ministries that wanted their missionaries/pastors to be ‘Relational Brokers.’ Additionally, I connected with five editors and journalists of Christian and secular media; most notably the Times of India (India’s 2nd largest newspaper). Several showed interest in what we’re seeking to establish.

2 Stories:

At the conference, there were only a handful of Caucasians, and only one that looked in my age-range. I thought he was European, and went up to him during a break, and asked what country he was from. I quickly found out that not only were we both Americans, but we were both Taylor University graduates! His wife and him had recently moved to India, where they started a back-end accounting, outsourcing firm. They went on to share that they knew my wife Abhineeta, and how excited they were to hear that we are also moving to India.

During a workshop, we were asked to write down our “Dream Contact” and then break into groups of 10, and see if anyone in our small group had a connection to the person we were seeking to connect with. “Dream Contact” was defined as the most helpful contact to grow your business significantly. We were asked to be extremely specific in our description. I was the 4th of 10 to share, and the 3 others before me ‘struck-out’ with no one in our group knowing anyone that they could contact. When I spoke, I explained First2Products and then said, ‘I’m looking for a company that can help us map the logistical challenges of this business – clearing customs and getting items from port to warehouse, trucking and railing product to local entrepreneurs, and managing our inventory. The 5th person in our group, standing right next to me, looked at me, and said, ‘Sir, you just described exactly what my business does. We are major sponsors of this event, and have a great reputation as a Christian company, and we would love to see how we could meet your needs.’ Within less than an hour, the word was out about First2Products and my dream contact, and I was approached by 3 more Christian logistics companies!

Relocating to Cambodia in 2010!

2009-09-20T17:12:00.000-07:00

I'm proud to share that I am now serving as Partnership Facilitator for Asia for Partners Worldwide! This means that I'll be coordinator staff, programs, and partnerships for our programs in Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, Hong Kong/China, and India. I'm so excited to see what the Lord has in store for Partners Worldwide, as we extend more energy and intentionality to the Asia region!

Additionally, I would like to share that my wife, Abhineeta, and I plan to relocate to Phnom Penh, Cambodia at the beginning of 2010. This transition will allow us to more effectively coordinate work with our Partnership Managers, stationed in our countries of operation across Asia.

There are many opportunities that the Lord has blessed Partners Worldwide with in the Asia Region, and I'm honored to serve in this task.

Thank you for your continued support and interest in my work with Partners Worldwide!

Testimonials of India Training Session

2009-08-10T10:21:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

India Training Sessions - Part 1

2009-04-08T04:21:00.000-07:00

From tigers prowling through the lush green forests to nomadic tribal groups traipsing through desert plains, India is a land of diversity. Cities of wealth created by information technology (IT) giants and colossal call centers juxtapose slums full of oppression and brutality, recently highlighted in Academy Award Winner, Slumdog Millionaire. In the midst of this billowing economy and rampant poverty are Christian entrepreneurs, seeking to serve God through their professional skills and faith-centered passions.

“No one has ever created a network of Christian business professionals in this country,” stated Michael Brian, Founder of Expera India, a staffing and resource company spanning six large south India cities. Looking to fill this hole, Partnership Facilitator for Partners Worldwide, Greg Matney, recently traveled to this land of contrasts, and hosted business training conferences for hundreds of Christian entrepreneurs in three separate venues. Christians gathered for several days and shared thoughts on Vision/Mission/Values, Business Planning, Business Finances, and how to recruit members for this emerging International Business Affiliate. From the border city of Calcutta to Jabalpur in the heart of India, many shared the same news – There is a lack of training material on Business as Mission, Financing, Accounting, and Marketing. Further, there are no North American partners to walk-alongside and inspire their potential.

“I have been to spiritual seminars and workshops for nearly forty years, and this is the first time we’ve talked about business,” a Pastor looking to start a silk-making factory in central India mentioned. In this training conference, 80 entrepreneurs gathered from 10 regions to discuss how Christians can collaborate in business. Many shared that the intense persecution facing many Christian in the country could subside if the Christian business community made their mark on this ‘tiger economy.’

In order to do so effectively, they are seeking partnerships through Partners Worldwide. This network could quickly expand into a nationwide movement of Christians, if God brings the people with the experiences and passions that will complement these efforts! Nutraceuticals, silk-making, human resources, handicrafts, construction – the list of sectors these Indian Christians need partners for goes on and on!

Please consider working in partnership with Christians in India. You can help the Christian community realize their potential in this growing economy, and at the same time, empower them against intense persecution!

Partners Worldwide India Strategy

2009-03-03T01:40:00.000-08:00

A little over a month ago, I arrived in India for the fourth time in my life. The first third trips are full of rich personal memories - with my first trip being to pursue a relationship with Abhineeta, the second to ask for her hand in marriage, and the third was for our wedding. While this fourth trip does not represent any significant personal milestone, it is quite exciting for other reasons. Over the course of 8 weeks, I will be meeting with business and organizational leaders across the country, and assessing how Partners Worldwide can best support the work of entrepreneurs here in India.

To do this effectively, I have chosen target cities to extend my efforts. In these cities, I will be identifying three types of entrepreneurs, who demand three separate types of services. In Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad, I will be identifying the High Impact Entrepreneurs (HIE's). These are the individuals that have needs in excess of $100k for capital, and can or have employed over 100 people. The HIE's will be the engine that drives any Partners Worldwide in associations in India.

Next, I will strategically seek out Small and Medium enterprises (SME's) to join our association. These individuals will come from Calcutta, Jabalpur, and Damoh. An SME also coined "the missing middle' are businesses whose needs have outgrown the traditional microfinance sector, yet these needs are not yet at the capacity to approach a formal banking institution. SME's need strong attention -coaching, mentoring, capital, and training - to lift their business out of the micro level (usually characterized by no legal registration, and no employees outside of one's family), and grow their business to a large competitive player in their city/region. Additionally, Partners Worldwide will target microentrepreneurs from these same 3 cities.

Why target all 3 groups? To establish a culture of mentoring and information-exchange, you have to have businesspeople spanning the spectrum. If facilitated correcty, this can form a dynamic network that resources each other for professional and personal encouragement, specific training, and general business knowledge.

Let the journey begin!

My Last 9 Months

2009-03-03T01:17:00.000-08:00

I noticed it has been an exceptionally long time since my last update. Since that point in time, quite a bit has happened in my life - most notably, I got married to the woman of my dreams, Abhineeta Elizabeth Lall (now Matney). Our journey is one for the history books, and our life together just begun!

In May, I traveled to India to be with my fiancee at the wedding of her sister, Lashi Lall, and her fiancee, Josh Howard. Their wedding was an incredible celebration, an extravagant outdoor gathering of thousands of people, with brilliant colors, traditional clothing, Bollywood music and dancing, and spicy food. There were said to be 5,000 people in attendance, and nearly each one came to greet Lashi and Josh in a procession-line during the reception.

In June, my family and close friends traveled to India to take part in my special day with Abhineeta. It was a whirlwind of a 10 day trip, starting in Delhi, continuing on to central India - where we had many celebrations at Abhineeta's family's hometown -continued on to Agra to see the Taj Mahal, and completed back in Delhi for the wedding celebration. Unlike Lashi and Josh's celebration, ours was a more intimate gathering of 200 or so people, at the luxurious Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi. The ceremony was everything that both of us ever hoped for, Abhineeta walking down the aisle to the Love Theme of Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet, my brother and closest friends standing with me - and our exchange of vows to each other in the midst of those that brought us this point in our lives. From our wedding, we traveled back to the United States via Europe - where we had the Honeymoon of a lifetime, a cruise through Spain, Italy, and France.

From our honeymoon, we continued on to Michigan, where we continue to live, study, work, and worship. The past 8 months of marriage have been extremely rewarding, and a time of learning and growing. We thank our family and friends for their friendship and support through all of our life's excitements!

Tumendak Crafts - Philippines

2008-05-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

All over the world, there are amazing products. Ornate little trinkets, hand stitched shoes, woven tapestry, masks, picture frames, any and everything you can think of. Beautiful items but no market to appreciate them. That is the problem with the developing world. Where else could you buy a hand painted beautiful piece for $20? (except if yours truly put his art in an art shows, I probably couldn't get half of that price...). Is this because a painting from Haiti or the Philippines or Kenya is intrinsically inferior? Absolutely not. Its simply the challenge of a saturated market.

There are nice things, even amazing products everywhere, but in order for hand crafted products to stand out, they have to be exceptional in quality and design. Tumendak Products in the Philippines are one such exception.

When I met Joji, Owner of Tumendak, at her factory on the island of Bacolod in the Philippines, I was immediately impressed. Joji is an integral member of E-BEST's Bacolod Chapter.

Furniture pieces, tables, everything hand crafted, and beautiful. For one of the first times in all of my travels, I believed that this piece could sell itself, it did not have to persuade one's philanthropic side to "support the small entrepreneurs in the Philippines by buying a hand crafted, fair traded, ______". A Tumendak picture frame, business card holder, and letter holder sit on my desk.

Please view the pieces that Joji creates, and let me know if you are interested in purchasing any of them! Joji has an excellent product and design team, but Tumendak needs assistance in creating a catalog and a high profile website to showcase their home products. If you or someone you know are interested in working with Joji, please contact info@partnersworldwide.org

A Whole New E-Best - Philippines

2008-04-23T05:46:00.000-07:00

I'm continuing on with my series of writings from my experiences around the world. From February 19 to February 27, I was in the Philippines, visiting our partner organization, E-Best (e-bestph.com).

The purpose of the visit was to revitalize E-Best as an organization. One of our North American Affiliates*, Paul Holwerda, traveled with me to the Philippines. We visited several businesses, and had a two day summit meeting, where we brought some of the E-Best businespeople together.

Instead of retelling a story that has already been told, I'm going to post the story which was in our most recent Spring 08 Newsletter. Enjoy!

*NAA, this is the term we use instead of 'volunteer' to promote that our partnership mentality. Thus, our overseas counterpart is not a 'recipient' but truly a partner, which we call the In-Country Business Affiliate (ICBA).

Partnerships
A Distressed Philippine Affiliate Finds Hope for a Promising Future
Many businesses in developing countries struggle to find affordable access to capital. eBEST, a Partners Worldwide Philippine affiliate, developed an exceptional lending model which increased access to capital for small businesses to grow. eBEST had excellent repayment rates on its loans, grew in membership and created hundreds of jobs—a near perfect business model. Over the past year, Partners Worldwide has seen a troubled eBEST decline due to financial improprieties on the behalf of one member who is no longer with the organization. The future of eBEST did not look good.

Paul Holwerda, Partners Worldwide voluntary Team Leader, and Partnership Facilitator Greg Matney traveled to the Philippines in February to more closely assess eBEST’s status, hoping to discern whether the group of committed members desired to revive the organization. "Our meetings were not always positive, and at times the ‘heart-to-heart’ discussions were hard to process for certain individuals. The picture posed by a legal attorney and financial auditor outlined a dire situation, even offering us the option of walking away," reported Matney.

"However, through continued meetings in Bacolod and the Summit Meeting in Los Banos, we found hope. As one devoted member stated, ‘I know there is light at the end of the tunnel for eBEST.’ "

"I was extremely encouraged by the outcome, and it looks like eBEST has a promising future." Paul Holwerda

After days of healthy and positive discussion, the committed eBEST members decided to form a new board, register as a cooperative that can perform the functions of saving and lending, and work toward restoring the business development fund for its depositors and lenders. "We had twenty-five member businesses sign on to form the new eBEST, and I’m confident more will come. Ruel Luna, the new Operations Officer, is an outstanding individual with strong integrity," commented Holwerda, the Partners Worldwide Team Leader. "I was extremely encouraged by the outcome, and by God’s grace eBEST will once again become an important business organization making a difference by creating jobs in the Philippines."

Cambodia Fellowship Gathering, April 19

2008-04-20T16:29:00.000-07:00

Myself with Congressman Pete Hoekstra, Ranking Republican Member of the House Intelligence Committee

After my most recent trip to Asia, I was asked to present at an annual New Years Celebration gathering of Cambodians living in western Michigan. The event brought together hundreds of Cambodians, from those that have been in the United States for years, to those who immigrated just a month ago!

The evening was full of fun, traditional dances, great food, lively music, and insightful presentations!

I was one of three speakers at the event. The first speaker was Congressman Pete Hoekstra. Congressman Hoekstra has served since 1992, and is now the Ranking Member of the Intelligence Committee. I had the opportunity to share with Pete about Partners Worldwide's work in Kenya and Haiti. His brother is one of our volunteers in Kenya, which allowed us to have a good discussion on the recent instability in the nation. Pete mentioned to me that it is challenging to regain civility and stability in a country, once it has been lost. I was encouraged to hear that he had been spending a good amount of time researching on Kenya, and their current situation. For more information on Congressman Hoekstra, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Hoekstra.

The second speaker was Professor Leonard De Rooy from Calvin College. Professor De Rooy spoke about Calvin College's involvement with a Christian university in Cambodia. Calvin sends a group of students every January to explore Cambodia, and work on planning the university.

I was the last speaker, and I spoke after an amazing meal of traditional Cambodian food! I shared my personal experience in Cambodia, as well as my assessment of the business environments. Lastly, I shared on the opportunities for involvement in our work in Cambodia.
I was encouraged to have several Cambodians and Americans come up to me afterwards and express their interest in either traveling to Cambodia with our organization, intern with our organization, or form a church partnership with Partners Worldwide!

Chicago Microfinance Conference, April 18

2008-04-20T15:35:00.000-07:00

On Friday, I attended the Chicago Microfinance Conference at the University of Chicago Gleacher Center, located magnificently on Michigan Avenue, just off of the Chicago River.
http://www.chicagomicrofinance.com/

The topic of the conference was Competition and Collaboration, and the purpose of the gathering is to "bring together practitioners, academics and emerging industry leaders to advance the strategic debate of the future of microfinance." The organization was represented by reputable universities:

Kellogg School of Management, UCLA, University of North Carolina, University of Chicago IRIS Center - University of Maryland

Think Tanks and Policy Groups:
The Mix, Boulder Institute of Microfinance

Some of the world's largest organizations that implement and financially support microfinance around the world:

Grameen Foundation, Opportunity International, ACCION International, ShoreBank, Green Microfinance, International Finance Corporation, Blue Orchard

You may be surprised that Morgan Stanley, Oracle, AIG, IBM, and other global corporations were in attendance. Why, you may ask, thats exactly what I'd like to try and explain. Before I begin, though, I'd like to inform my readers on some terminology that I've found commonplace in discussions on microfinance and global development.

Terms:

The Bottom of the Pyramid
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bottom_of_the_pyramid
In economics, the bottom of the pyramid is the largest, but poorest socio-economic group. In global terms, this is the four billion people who live on less than $2 per day, typically in developing countries. The phrase “bottom of the pyramid” is used in particular by people developing new models of doing business that deliberately target that demographic, often using new technology.

Social Entrepreneur
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_entrepreneurship
Someone who recognizes a social problem and uses entrepreneurialship principles to organize, create, and manage a venture to make social change... A social entrepreneur assesses success in terms of the impact s/he has on society. While social entrepreneurs often work through nonprofits and citizen groups, many work in the private and governmental sectors.

Patient Capital
http://www.sustainabilitydictionary.com/p/patient_capital.php
Investment strategies that provide social and environmental returns in addition to financial returns with an emphasis on returns over the long-term. While a longer investment horizon and/or a smaller financial return may be inherent in individual patient capital investments, neither of these conditions are required of patient capital investments.

Philanthrocapitalism
http://www.alliancemagazine.org/free/html/mar07e.html
It is a new way of doing philanthropy, which mirrors the way that business is done in the for-profit capitalist world.

Moving forward, allow me to explain what is happening with the microfinance industry, the challenges, and the opportunities.

The microfinance industry has been said to have a demand of $300 Billion dollars, and during the conference one speaker said that that estimate was understated. There is not a $300B supply; there is not a fraction of that. Its not interesting, though, to acknowledge that we're not meeting that demand, but what is interesting is seeing who the new players are. Yes - Morgan Stanley and AIG are interested in microfinance. There is a growing interest in banks, hedge funds, and equity groups to invest in the bottom of the pyramid. The reason is not simply to "do good", but equally, to make a profit. Unfortunately in microfinance, there is not a massive fortune to reap, but meager returns. Corporations and organizations have stated a 5% (at best) return after the cost of operations. What is the largest issue facing microfinancing today? Scaling up.

Small banks in developing countries simply cannot make enough $100 loans to cover their cost of operations, and ensure a profit that cause global financial institutions take notice. There are two logical answers to reducing the cost per transaction, either make fewer, larger transactions OR scale up. Since microfinance is in one sense a philanthropic effort, and in another a capitalistic one (see: philanthrocapitalism), the first option of making larger loans may not be adequate. The reason being that if an MFI (microfinance institution) gives larger loans, then in one sense, they become a bank, they are no longer serving the "poorest of the poor." In my opinion, that is not an issue, banks giving loans of $1,000-$5,000 instead of $100-$500 are growing with their entrepreneurs, and hopefully with the country at large. I would rather see MFI's graduate to banks, and make room for new MFI's, than MFI's stay MFI's and graduate their entrepreneurs to banks. BUT - since not all are along the same mindset, then our only option is to "scale up."

Scaling up is the concept that encompasses C.K. Prahalad's "Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid." This is the hope for the developing world - that their microfinance institutions, their business can amass a large enough customer base that sustains their operations. It is definitely the minority of MFI's that have achieved this scale, but those that have the scale and the reporting systems in place can now approach large Western investors.

The future of the microfinance industry is still uncertain, but it is my hope that more Western investors will be attracted, for both the financial and social gains. If you forget the social gains, you are a bank. If you forget the financial gains, you are a not-for-profit, and not sustainable. Microfinance must live at the nexus between the two.

Popsicles for Sale

2008-04-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

If I told you I met with woman in Port au Prince, Haiti that sold popsicles out of her home, what would you have in mind?

Was it a woman with her children, carrying large buckets of water, mixing food colored sugar water, pouring the concoction into ice-cube trays, plopping a wooden stick in the end, and throwing them into a freezer? If so - we were both wrong....very wrong.

Imagine this.

The break of dawn, 600 women and men crowding a home with empty coolers, shoving, and pushing to get to the front of the line - almost as if Bono was on stage.

The vendors know that they won't get all the popsicles they want, but they know they'll sell all that they can purchase from the 'popsicle lady', Madam LeFevre.

You would do this to if you received 40% commission.

Imagine this.

100,000 popsicles per day. 2 water process treatment systems. 14 HUGE freezers. One 225 Kilowatt Generator and one 300 Kilowatt Generator that guzzles 140 gallons of fuel (at $6 a gallon) every day.

This place was incredible. Still operating at of her home, Madam LeFevre's 'popsicle stand' was busting at the seems. Men operated a basic packaging tool that heated and sealed the liquid into tubes at a rate of 2 per second. Others stirred oars in tubs or salt water to freeze the popsicles faster. "If this heating and sealing of the tubes could be twice as fast, we could sell twice as many," I was told by the entrepreneur that started this venture.

She has the market.

Now she needs to find out how to sustain it. Her raw materials come from the Dominican Republic, her machinery cannot be found in Haiti. Running generators as she does, 24 hours a day, calls for incessant repairs. Madam LeFevre knows that if she starts another factory, it will be successful, the only thing she needs is capital. If this business modernizes their production system, and finds the necessary equipment, they will be a huge market force in Haiti.

Do you or does someone you know have the expertise to help? Find out more by emailing info@partnersworldwide.org.

Compassionate Banking - Haiti Series

2008-04-11T12:18:00.001-07:00

Is there such a thing as compassionate banking? And if so, what does it mean? Does it mean that you get warm chocolate chip cookies with your loan? Or does it mean that instead of someone threatening to break your legs for not repaying, they will just pat your back, and ask you to 'try harder next time'? Or does it mean that instead of giving you the country's average interest rate of 36% per year, they lower it to 12?

Apart from the cookies, I do struggle with the answer to these questions. What does it mean to be a Christian, in banking, or as we call in smaller countries, microfinance? I find this interesting because my belief has actually changed in the past year.

During my time in Kenya, I thought that the answer to being compassionate was absolutely in charging a lower interest rate. Instead of charging the high, 'usurious' rates that keep a poor country poor, a compassionate financier would charge only a fraction of the rate. It was during my trip to Haiti that this notion was strongly questioned.

"Your organization better expect to be giving loans to many people for many of years, or you will spoil the market," I was told when I asked if Partners Worldwide should offer loans at 12% per annum, roughly 33 - 50% of the average microfinance loan.

Now, I understand. I understand that these rates are not always 'usurious', but they are high for a reason. Large multinational banks are now doing business with low income people in low income countries. I do not believe that these companies are evil for offering collateral-free loans at 36%, but rather they are correctly assessing their risks. See, compassion should never be a synonym for indolence, or the the lack of diligence. In order to intentionally choose to be compassionate, you need to first properly asses the risk. Second, you need to make the conscious decision to act in disregard to the market. Third, you need to weigh the cost of disrupting the market with the benefit of helping the individual entrepreneur. Then, and only then, can one compassionately choose to give a sub-market interest rate.

In Haiti, Partners Worldwide works through a microfinance partner, SKDE. SKDE has 509 members, and offers an interest rate that changes, depending on the type of business you do. This is an exemplary model, that I wish more microfinance groups would adopt.

If you are in the buying and selling industry - for example - you purchase 100 pound bags of rice - you break them into 5 20 pound bags of rice - you receive a loan at 3% per month or 36% per annum.

If you are in production - for example - you purchase material, dye, and thread - and you ADD VALUE to the raw materials by making clothing - you receive a loan at 2% per month.

Developing countries need producers, not traders. Buying and selling doesn't create wealth, it just changes whose hand the dollar is in. Production is where its at. Production changes economies.

This is a little bit of a time warp, because I'm writing about January 24, 2008, BUT, I was just recently planning to return to Haiti. I had to cancel my trip due to the current riots over rising food prices. When the President spoke to his people about what to do - he said -

''Subsidizing imported goods is not the solution,'' Préval told the people. ``Today, we are paying the price for more than 20 years of bad political decisions. I'd rather today, we subsidize national production.''

Both Préval supporters and critics voiced discontent at the lack of immediate action coming out of his speech. Many said it was long overdue and did not go far enough to quell the demands of protesters who have been calling for Préval's government to resign.

''It was time for him to speak about national production, but he did not speak about what he is going to do about tomorrow,'' said Pierre Leger, President of the Chamber of Commerce for the Southern Department, where protests first erupted last week.

Yes, production is where its at. Thats why Partners Worldwide partners with those in
value-added production business. As you have seen through my writings, though, and will continue to see, production in emerging economies may just be one of the hardest feats in the world to accomplish.

Ok, back to our main topic, then what is compassionate banking? I'll let you know when I find out...

Energy Drinks... Haiti Series

2008-04-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

When I say Energy Drinks, what do you think of?
Most will probably think of Gatorade or Powerade.
A few of you will think of the more recent phenomenon of Red Bull, Monster, Rock Star, etc....

Would any of you think of wine?
In Haiti, wine is thought of as an energy drink of sorts. Our Haitian partner, Serge Ferris, has created Vigoro! A 12 ounce bottle of wine with a strong man flexing his muscles (that he obviously got from drinking his wine!). His wine (on the far left) closely resembles Campeon, a Dominican Republic favorite (middle). This less than $1 drink is a sugary wine that probably wouldn't be marketed to the fitness clubs in the US, but every market is different!

I asked Serge Ferris, what do you use to make your wine?

Whatever fruit is in season. Grapefruit, sugar cane, citrus fruits, etc...

Well - where to you get your bottles?

Wherever they are available. I'll have people collect them, and we'll recycle.

Where do you ferment your fruits and make your wine?

Just here, in my backyard.

Serge Ferris is another example of an extremely resourceful entrepreneur. He creates wines, spirits, but also has his hands in other projects like corrugated aluminum. Serge is looking for assistance in advice on Imports/Exports and Marketing/Branding of his product.

One of our business partners from the United States recently helped Ferris obtain information about putting bar codes on all of his products.

If you would like more information on Serge, or you would like to offer your expertise, please contact info@partnersworldwide.org

Made in Haiti

2008-04-01T12:29:00.000-07:00

Would you purchase a prescription medicine if it said, "Made in Haiti" on the bottom of the bottle?
I'm assuming the majority would not do so, but Partners Worldwide believes that Haiti, too, can be an exporter of medicine - OR - at least provide the majority of medicines that Haitians consume.

I feel fulfilled in my position when I can facilitate a really good partnership. When the North American's skills and attitude fit perfectly into the opportunity with our entrepreneur abroad. Connecting Nick Tuit, a former Pfizer employee, and Ralph Edmond, Owner of Port au Prince based Farmatrix, was one such match.

Nick Tuit spent the majority of his career traveling the world with pharmaceutical companies, and ensuring that the operations met the necessary international standards. Ralph Edmond is one of the founding members of Haitian Partners for Christian Development, and make no mistake, he's a serious businessman. Sometimes people assume that all businesspeople in a country like Haiti would be small, emerging - but Ralph's Farmatrix is a thriving operation.

Ralph's vision is to see Farmatrix be the leading pharmaceutical company in Haiti, even a potential export of medicine! For this to be a reality takes a lot of work! A great deal of planning, and getting operations and facilities to an international standard. Nick is just the person to see Ralph through this process!

And while Ralph's business is prescription medicines, he's always looking for the next opportunity. The million dollar question for most Haitian businesses - How can we serve the Haitian diaspora, the Haitians living overseas in the US and Europe?

I think Ralph has found a stellar product that will excite the Haitians living in the US. Wanna hear more? info@partnersworldwide.org

Believing in Peanut Butter - Haiti Series

2008-04-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

Some of you may know that during my time in Kenya, I was functioning under a grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This is the branch of the US Government that commits funds overseas. Our grant was for 3 years, titled the Million Mentor Initiative - where we sought to connect businesspeople - international to local, and locals to each other. Connect them to share business expertise, mentor, buy each other's product, etc... We used the system of working through business cooperatives - a group of small businesspeople that meet on a monthly business to participate in the listed activities.

When the Million Mentors Initiative was assessed, Partners Worldwide found our strengths and our weaknesses. We were able to identify which clients were drawn toward our services, and those that were not. One strength that stood out to me is that our businesspeople believe that they can be great. They aren't just sustaining themselves, but they desire to thrive.

Paul Ducarmel, a peanut butter manufacturer in Leogane, Haiti, is one such entrepreneur. Founder of Duco Chocolate, Paul creates 3 products, a corn based sugary snack food, peanut butter, and his pride and joy - chocolate peanut butter. Before my departure to Haiti, I was told to pick up several jars of Duco Chocolate peanut butter for a colleague! When I told this to Paul, he said that he truly believes he has the best product in the world! He believes in peanut butter!

Paul now distributes his product to approximately 20 stores through Port au Prince. While he's faced several significant barriers to production, Paul's resilience has kept his business alive.

If you would like to find out more about Paul, his company Duco Chocolate, and how you may be able to assist in his venture, email info@partnersworldwide.org. Currently, Paul is purchasing a peanut roaster, and a grinder for his cocoa beans - if you have any experience in either grinding or roasting, please let me know!

(The Million Mentors Highlights can be seen on our website)
http://partnersworldwide.org/aboutus/images/Million_Mentors_Final_Evaluation_Highlights.pdf

Mirofranchising - Microfinance 2.0?

2008-03-24T06:46:00.001-07:00

In the past year and a half or so, I've learned quite a bit about microfinancing, or lending small amounts ($50-500) to small businesspeople.

In Kenya, I found out that accountability and follow-up is paramount to a successful microfinance institution (MFI). In many cultures, the onus to repay a loan is on the lender, not the lendee - therefore you cannot expect repayment, it has to be thoroughly and constantly communicated.

In Kenya, the microfinance industry emerged because the majority of the populations were looked at as "unbankable". In other words, the large multi-national banks did not see it profitable to provide credit to the small businesspeople. From this hole in the market, not-for profits, savings and credit cooperatives, trusts, and small rural groups began giving small loans at reasonable interest rates.

Kenya is now one of the best countries to receive credit, 8th out 178 countries, according to Doingbusiness.org, a project of the International Finance Corporation, and World Bank.

BUT - even with the boom of microfinance in Kenya and the world over - poor countries are still poor - and economies are not graduating out of poverty as quick as most would like to see. Take note that most countries in Africa and Asia can boast a higher raise in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) than the US is able to do. I say this to point out that things ARE improving, microfinance IS making a difference. BUT - the questions we have to ask ourselves are two-fold:

1. Why isn't microfinance making a bigger difference?

2. Further, what can supplement microfinance to add to the growth of developing countries?

Thus, we arrive at microfranchising. According to microfranchising.blogspot.com, and Jason Fairbourne's work on Mircrofranchsing at the Economics Center for Self Reliance at Brigham Young University, the intention of microfranchising is to do the following:

“The underlying intent of a microfranchise is to alleviate poverty through the creation and provision of sound, proven businesses that will in turn increase the earning potential of the microfranchisee. Microfranchises are independently owned and operated; thus,they create income for the individual owner and the owner’s employees, while simultaneously providing needed goods and services at an affordable price.

The “micro”in microfranchising stands for more than mini or small.“Micro”is essential to microfranchising and in this sense has a social connotation that refers to grassroots bottom-up initiatives, poverty alleviation, benevolence, base ofthe pyramid,and the like. “micro”also represents sustainability. Thus, microfranchising can be thought of as poverty alleviating, social, grassroots, BOP, benevolent,and barefoot franchising. The franchise in microfranchise represents replication to scale. This involves systematizing an operation, paying close attention to each and every aspect of a business until it is a turn-key operation, then replicating it to scale. Franchising embodies the concept of granting the right, privilege, or access to a proven business system.

The marriage of the two terms makes up microfranchising, which is indeed very different from franchising. For example,in traditional franchising, the purpose for establishing a franchise is to grow one’s business quickly in order to increase profits. In microfranchising, the focus is more on the microfranchisee and how he/she benefits from buying into a proven systematized business. A microfranchise is established to assist the poor in creating a sustainable income through owning and operating their own business. The reduction of risk, provision of specific training, ongoing mentoring, and reduction of creative burden are all benefits to the microfranchisee.”

Microfinance provides the credit, which has been outlined as a tremendous need in the developing world, but microfranchise provides the opportunities. Opportunities to take ownership of a proven business model, and learn from the lessons of past franchise owners.

Partners Worldwide is now thoroughly exploring the microfranchise model, identifying which of our partnerships could be replicable across country boundaries. Then, packaging the opportunities, and making these opportunities available to our business partners around the globe.

Jason Fairbourne, a pioneer in the microfranchise movement, will be speaking at our conference in Muskegon, MI on October 2-4, 2008. This past week, he was co-hosting a conference with Mohammed Yunus, founder of the Grameen Bank, and author of "Banker to the Poor."

To learn more about our annual Partnership Conference, please visit, http://www.partnersworldwide.org/news/upcoming.html.

Social Entrepreneurism - Haiti Series

2008-03-24T05:31:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was describing to two friends what Partners Worldwide does, and specifically, about a new partnership we have formed with a dairy farm in the United States. I explained that the US dairy would like to support an existing dairy in Haiti, and would also like to explore the prospect of setting up a new dairy. After my explanation, I still sensed some uncertainty in my two friends.

Now why would then want to go and do that? What kind of profit are they going to make? Are you sure they are not going to exploit the local workers?

These are all questions that I had a strong and ready response to, but nonetheless, I was surprised they came. And then I thought - this idea of social entrepreneurism makes sense to me because its my work - but it needs to be explained. It needs to be explained because it is counter to popular logic. Popular logic says that if you want to do good, you donate money. If you want to make money, you work, or start a business.

This weekend, my father gave me an article that outlines the generational transition in "doing-good". Its good enough that I won't just link, but will copy and paste the article at the end of this post. "The New Breed of Do-Gooders," David Brooks, New York Times, http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/355938_brooksonline22.html.

On January 23, I met two such individuals. Two "social entrepreneurs" whose goal was not to get rich, but do be successful - for the sake of Haiti - not for the sake of themselves.

The first gentlemen was an impressive salesman and networker from the south, Alabama I believe. He presented an innovative response to market failure. In Haiti, businesses fail because of failure to access. Failure to access of substantial markets, substantial capital, and imported raw materials. You may have seen the article, "As Haiti Goes Hungry, Food Rots." http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23507559/

The idea I heard this morning was to open a private shipping line from south Florida to Port au Prince, and then on to smaller ports in Haiti. An efficient system to load and ship products at the ports of Haiti. Due to confidentiality, I will not mention the company nor individual name, but if you have expertise in shipping/port management - please contact info@partnersworldwide.org for more information.

The second man I met, Monty Hart, had an excellent system in place for the church and businesspeople to work together in Haiti. Hailing from a small church in Kentucky, Monty has been coming to Haiti for 30 years. He's formed relationships with all the necessary players - local pastors, government officials, and specialists in agriculture, and goat suppliers. He intends to farm goats - which is contrary to cultural practice in Haiti.

In Haiti, I was told, that people don't farm goats - they instead let them graze and wander. I was even told that goats are never even given water by their owners, its thought that they are such a strong sinewy animal that there is no need for water. Monty Hart says that this drastically affects the size that goats can become. In short, his idea is to cross-breed big, strong, healthy South African boar goats with domestic Haitian goats, to create a strong, disease resistant 'hybrid'. A full-time manager will work with pastors to identify local farmers in the community. The farmers will be given the goats, and will commit to raising them in line with Monty's program. The yields will then be given back to the community at large.

If you have a specialty in goat herding, or you would like more information, please ask!

If you have more interest in Social Entrepreneurism, a few other resources may be:

Ashoka ashoka.org/

The Skoll Foundation skollfund.org/media/press_releases/internal/031108.asp

Social Edge socialedge.org

The New Breed of Do-Gooders, David Brooks, New York Times

Fashions in goodness change, just like fashions in anything else, and these days some of the very noblest people have assumed the manners of the business world, even though they don't aim for profit. They call themselves social entrepreneurs, and you can find them in the neediest places on earth.

The people who fit into this category tend to have plenty of resume bling. Bill Drayton, the godfather of this movement, went to Harvard, Yale, Oxford and McKinsey before founding Ashoka, a global change network. Those who follow him typically went to some fancy school, did a stint with Teach for America or AmeriCorps before graduate school. Then, they worked for a software firm before deciding to use what they'd learned in business to help the less fortunate.

Now they work 80 hours a week, fighting bureaucracies and funding restrictions in order to build, say, mentoring programs for single moms.

Earlier generations of benefactors thought that social service should be like sainthood or socialism, but this one thinks it should be like venture capital.

These thoroughly modern do-gooders dress like venture capitalists. They talk like them. They even think like them. That means that aside from the occasional passion for heirloom vegetables, they are not particularly crunchy. They don't wear ponytails, tattoos or Birkenstocks. They don't devote any energy to countercultural personal style, unless you consider excessive niceness a subversive fashion statement.

Next to them, Barack Obama looks like Abbie Hoffman.

It also means they are not that interested in working for big, sluggish bureaucracies. They are not hostile to the alphabet-soup agencies that grew out of the New Deal and the Great Society; they just aren't inspired by them.

J.B. Schramm created a fantastic organization called College Summit, which provides students with practical guidance through the college admissions process. Gerald Chertavian, a former software entrepreneur, created Year Up, which helps low-income students get apprenticeships in corporations and packages its fund-raising literature in the form of an IPO prospectus.

The venture-capital ethos means instead that these social entrepreneurs are almost willfully blind to ideological issues. They will tell you, even before you have a chance to ask, that they are data-driven and accountability-oriented. They're always showing you multivariate regressions or explaining why some promising idea "didn't pencil out." The highest status symbol in their circle is a Rand study showing that their program yields statistically significant results.

Bill Gates, who fits neatly into this world, came to dinner with journalists in Washington last week. He looked utterly bored as the conversation drifted to presidential campaign gossip. But when asked about which programs produce higher reading scores, the guy lit up and became a fountain of facts and findings.

The older do-gooders had a certain policy model: government identifies a problem. Really smart people design a program. A Cabinet department in a big building administers it.

But the new do-gooders have absorbed the disappointments of the past decades. They have a much more decentralized worldview. They don't believe government on its own can be innovative. A thousand different private groups have to try new things. Then we measure to see what works.

Their problem now is scalability. How do the social entrepreneurs replicate successful programs so that they can be big enough to make a national difference?

America Forward, a consortium of these entrepreneurs, wants government to do domestic policy in a new way. It wants Washington to expand national service (to produce more social entrepreneurs) and to create a network of semipublic social investment funds. These funds would be administered locally to invest in community-run programs that produce proven results. The government would not operate these social welfare programs, but it would, in essence, create a network of semipublic Gates Foundations that would pick winners based on stiff competition.

There's obviously a danger in getting government involved with these entrepreneurs. Government agencies are natural interferers, averse to remorseless competition and quick policy shifts. Nonetheless, these funds are worth a try.

The funds would head us toward this new policy model, in which government sets certain accountability standards but gives networks of local organizations the freedom to choose how to meet them. President Bush's faith-based initiative was a step in this direction, but this would be broader.

Furthermore, we might as well take advantage of this explosion of social entrepreneurship. These are some of the smartest and most creative people in the country. Even if we don't know how to reduce poverty, it's probably worth investing in these people and letting them figure it out.

They won't stop bugging us until we do.

Pioneers in Pasta - Haiti Series

2008-03-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

During my time in Kenya, the family I stayed with only made pasta upon my request. It was often referred to as "a snack", and not enough to constitute a real meal. Here in the US, though, I couldn't imagine what we'd be like without pasta!

One of HPCD's founder members is Sylvia and Stanley Theard. They have been making pasta for over 20 years in Haiti, and they were the company that made pasta popular in Haiti!

During my visit to Italia pasta, I learned how critical raw materials are in production (kind of a no brainer), BUT also how drastically affected they are by political and economic circumstances.

Haiti has had its share of political instabilities, from overturned governments to trade embargoes, its been extremely challenging to be a manufacturer in this country. Sylvia and Stanley have weathered the waves, but acknowledge that the int'l wheat prices, the weakened dollar, and the costs of imports have made the margin on pasta razor thin.

One telling barrier is that importing the raw material takes more physical space to transport than the finished product. Another challenge to business in Haiti (and the word challenge is a gross understatement) is that one cannot rely on the government for consistent electricity. As the generator guzzles diesel fuel - so the cost of energy guzzles the profits of manufacturing businesses in Haiti. Other restraints to productivity are access to clean water, and maintenance on equipment.

So what's the solution to a rising cost in wheat to an already slim pasta market? Cheese puffs. Er... we can call it market diversification. Italia Pasta has seen an opportunity to make cheese puffs and other snack foods to offset any future losses in the pasta market.

Italia Pasta has conveyed an urgent need to Partners Worldwide, to find an affordable international pasta supplier. Spark an interest? Want to hear more? info@partnersworldwide.org.

Maxima, Cabinet and Casket Making - Haiti Series

2008-03-20T08:01:00.000-07:00

Does this sound like a strange combination to you? Well, it did to me as well - but change your paradigm!

Cabinets and Caskets both require quite similar construction, and use the same raw materials, and they are both basic goods with a constant market. Everyone needs shelter, and everyone knows Ben Franklin's adage goes, "Nothing is certain but death and taxes."

There are two reasons why I was extremely excited about the business potential for Maxima.

First, this company is involved in an import-substituting business. No other caskets of this quality level are made in Haiti. Therefore, wealthy funerals usually pay a great deal to have caskets imported. I was even told that most funeral homes that purchase and sell Maxima caskets market them as if they were foreign because people do not believe that these products were made in Haiti!

From an economic development perspective, the best businesses to support are those that are in the business of import substitution. If no one makes Product A (peanut butter, processed turkey meat, caskets, etc...) in Country A, then County A has to purchase and import Product A from Country B. This is the essence of globalization, right?

As a student of economics, I find this extremely intriguing, and complicated! Should Partners Worldwide promote small-medium businesses producing goods that have not been produced in that country before? What are the benefits, what are the risks?

Well, lets start with the benefits. If Maxima is the only producer of high quality caskets in Haiti, then who do they benefit? First, they benefit their over 50 employees who now have jobs because of this new venture. Second, they benefit the economy of Haiti at large. If money that used to leave the country to purchase high-end caskets now stays in-country, there is more money in Haiti. Lastly, the beneficiaries are the small business carpenters that now see a new potential for business in Haiti (we'll get back to that!).

Ok, now on to the risks/losses involved in import substitution. Who loses, and how much do they lose? First, casket companies in North America and Europe lose. Their loss, though, is extremely marginal. How many businesses in Europe and North America would say that the majority, or a large portion of their business is done in Haiti? I know of none, and even if they are there, they have more market potential outside of Haiti - therefore its my belief that we allow Haiti to grow itself, and move a step closer towards self-sustainability! Its interesting that economists don't often mention that economic independence/sustainability and globalization can be at odds with each other! Other risks/losses are also marginal - tariff costs that the government loses out on because of less imports, and several steps removed - the raw material suppliers (like loggers in Canada) that will sell a miniscule amount of less products to the casket makers in Europe and North America. (I don't think Haiti is going to be a competitor for logging with Canada!).

All in all, I am for import substitution. It creates jobs and opportunities, it stimulates competition and innovation, and Maxima is a prime example of this phenomenon in Haiti.

And before I close this blog, I must come back to the second component of Maxima that really exictes me! They are actualizing the 3rd benefit I mentioned, small carpenters that see a new business opportunity! Maxima acknowledges that there is a large divide between the large casket/cabinet factory and a carpenter widdling in front of his home, but they are willing to help bridge that gap! Train these carpenters on basic casket making practices, and teach them how to use basic machinery. Partners Worldwide calls this promoting the mentoring culture, not contrary to competition - but an acknowledgment that the pie can get a lot bigger before we need to start cutting smaller slices!

If you would like more information on Maxima, their business model, and opportunities for business involvement on a mentoring basis, please contact info@partnersworldwide.org.

Haitian Partners for Christian Development - Haiti Series

2008-03-20T07:22:00.000-07:00

Ernso Jean Louis - Red Star Market, Inventory Control

In Haiti, Partners Worldwide partners with Haitian Partners for Christian Development (HPCD). HPCD is a membership organization that also has a business incubation component to their organization. Small, start-up businesses in Haiti can apply for office space and support services in the HPCD offices. Currently, the only solar panel company in Haiti is housed in the incubation department of HPCD. The European Union is also partnering with HPCD on the business incubation venture, and a new round of entrepreneurs will find their home with HPCD. The entrepreneurs will be here for 18 months, growing their businesses to a point of self-sufficiency.

Ernso Jean Louis is both the founder of HPCD, and a successful entrepreneur himself. During my time in Haiti, Ernso took myself and our North American business partners to his business, wholesale food and home supplies, in a bustling marketplace pocket of Port au Prince.

Ernso has owned and operated Red Star Market for 18 years. They have 14 employees selling produce, moving shipments, and taking orders. His store is divided into 3 compartments, wholesale, half-bulk (products in packs of 6 or 12), and retail - think of a Sam's Club, Wal-Mart, and CVS in one building - divided by 3 walls.

One may ask - well if they are all next to each other, why doesn't everyone go where the prices are lowest?? To the Sam's Club? 2 words - purchasing power. In developing countries, much more than the US, people watch their budget and buy single item goods. A pint of milk, a pouch of washing soap, 50 cents worth of credit for their cell phone. Now, if you are still with me - you may ask then - well then how does the Wal-Mart and the Sam's Club make any money?

Another phenomenon of developing countries is that the majority of business is not new production, but buying and selling. As you'll see later in this series, it is extremely challenging to create a new product at a competitive price in Haiti. Therefore - the majority of business is buying a pack of 10, 5 pound bags of rice for $50, and then turning around, and selling them for $6 each. And doing the same for every product that you can buy in bulk - under the sun, the hot incessant sun.

Ernso outlined his areas for business growth, and his challenges to attain them. If Red Star Market had a more effective inventory control system, they wouldn't sit on their product, and they would have more cash on hand. This additional cash on hand would give Red Star Market more purchasing power to buy larger bulks from the port, and pay less per unit.

This is where Partners Worldwide comes into play. One of our North American business volunteers to Haiti has experience with a large multi-national corporation in material handling - getting a product into the hands of the customer more effectively. Currently, Ernso and our North American volunteer are working on a plan to get the product quicker and cheaper from point A to point B - and turn it to cash in less time.

Do you have an idea? Would you like more information? If so, please contact info@partnersworldwide.org

A Hope in Haiti

2008-03-20T06:39:00.000-07:00

March 19, 2008

A Series of Writings Recalling Trip to Haiti - January 21 - January 26

While I was in Asia in early March, I was speaking with a man about my travels to Haiti at the beginning of the year. At the mention of the country he stated, "Well, thats just about the most hopeless place I think I've ever been." I had to state my disagreement - "I'm sorry sir, it looks like we've had quite different experiences." One thing I love about Partners Worldwide is that we seek out those with a vision, the hopeful minority, the resilient few - those that can boast of their country when others cannot.

While in Haiti, I met with 11 such entrepreneurs. Men and women, young and old, in business that range from popsicles to pharmaceuticals, pasta to pigs, produce to peanut butter.

The purpose of this "Hope in Haiti" series is twofold, to expose you to the lives of some of the most resilient savvy entrepreneurs that walk the face of this Earth. People that overcome business struggles that the Western world is mostly unaware of. Struggles like calling up a supplier, and having him laugh - saying that he doesn't deliver products to your country because of the inefficiencies of your port/loading system. Secondly, this series is to present real, current needs for entrepreneurial assistance in the developing world. Opportunities for you, or someone you know to become personally involved in growing businesses in Haiti. For more information on personal engagement, please visit partnersworldwide.org, or email info@partnersworldwide.org, or myself, gregm@partnersworldwide.org

Pictures of the Engagement

2008-03-12T19:16:00.001-07:00

Abhineeta opening the gift of a picture frame and the book I gave for her the morning before my proposal.

The restaurant in Chennai, India where we got engaged.

The ring box I had made for Abhineeta.

Abhineeta reading through the book I made for her.

Her ring.

Us at the restaurant on December 23.

Starting Posting Again!

2008-03-12T18:59:00.000-07:00

So its been about 6 months from my last post, but I decided that I'm going to start writing again. Since I left Kenya, I've traveled to India, Haiti, Philippines, Laos, and Cambodia - so I have a lot of amazing experiences to write about! I've also changed the site name to GlobalGreg.blogspot.com, instead of KenyaGreg.blogspot.com for obvious reasons :)

Ok - well I hope I still have a few readers, this first post is a note that I wrote around Christmas describing how I proposed to my Bride to be!

In the following weeks, I'll be posting pictures and stories of my travels with Partners Worldwide around the globe. Enjoy!

How the Engagement Happened, December 23, 2007

I've been back in the US 3 days, have caught up somewhat on work and sleep, so time to share with everyone how I asked Abhineeta to spend her life with me!

I arrived in India at 3 am on December 21. My flights were long, but everything was worth it - when I finally met eyes and lips with my beautiful Abhineeta. In an airport of thousands, everyone melted away, and we seemed to be the only two people there.

4 hours later, we flew to Chennai to spend the Christmas season on vacation with her family at a beautiful resort, Fisherman's Cove. After arriving, we all relaxed, ate, and enjoyed each other's company. I rested well, and put the final touches on my plan!

SO - we're here! December 23rd. We both slept in, had a nice buffet breakfast, and then I brought Abhineeta upstairs and asked her if we could do Christmas presents early. I knew she was dying to give me her gift, and you can only imagine how much anticipation I had to give her my gift!

I opened Abhineeta's gift to me, an incredible painting/drawing that so beautifully represents our relationship. Ahh, Abhineeta, you are so talented! I gave Abhineeta 12 white roses. I then asked her to walk with me down to the beach, where she could open the rest of her present.

She opened a picture of us, lotion, and a book I had written for her. The book told the story of our journey, from friends to lovers. Throughout our years of knowing each other, we had written hundreds and hundreds of pages of emails. I read through every page, chose the excerpts that meant the most to us, and re-wrote them by hand in this book. I told Abhineeta I wanted to spend this day with her, relaxing, and reading/reflecting on our history together...

We had a super chill afternoon, reading through the book, and enjoying our time together. Early evening, the family all went on a catamaran ride in the Indian Ocean. Abhineeta and I rode in the front, took the waves on head on, and swam in the waters. When we returned to the shore, we continued our adventure, riding the waves together, Abhineeta in my arms, lit by a full moon.
We returned to the resort, took a quick dip in the pool, and then got ready for dinner...

Once we were both ready (and Abhineeta was looking as beautiful as ever as you can see in the pictures), I told her to grab the book, we may have a chance to read some more of it after dinner...

We ate at Upper Deck, the nicest restaurant on the resort grounds. To get there, we had about a quarter mile walk through lit gardens. The open air, beach side, Meditteranean restaurant was so peaceful. When we arrived, a children's choir was singing Christmas songs. Beneath the stars, and near the water, we enjoyed our roasted lamb, and shared openly and passionately with each other.

As we were finishing dinner, I knew the time was upon me... I quickly tried to visualize which knee to drop, think how to most graciously grab the ring out of my pocket, and remember which hand to put it on! I started to share with Abhineeta a dream I hadn't shared with her before. A dream that I knew was for her alone, about how I knew the Lord had chosen her for me, and me for her.

After explaining to her the dream, and the significance of the white flower theme, both in my dream and my gifts to her that day (the flowers in the morning, the card I had given her earlier, and the design on the cover of the book...). I then pulled out the ring box, hand carved out of ebony - a white Rose of Sharon, and inscribed, "Abhineeta, My Beloved, December 2007."

On my knee, I shared my heart with her, and asked her to spend her life with me! She said YES, and I placed the ring on her finger!

To dessert, we finished the book I had written for her. We read the last few pages (reserved for after the proposal) together, that explained why I chose the ring I did, and the ring box. The ring resembles a flower. The white rose of my dream, and the Rose of Sharon - used in the Song of Songs to depict the beauty of a young woman.

Near midnight, we returned to the resort, woke up her family, called mine, and shared the good news! They all could not have been happier.

The next day, Abhineeta, our family, and I traveled to some poor villages outside of Chennai to distribute food and clothes. It meant a great deal to us that the first time her father officially introduced us was to a group of 30 young people, orphaned by the tsunami that struck the coast over 2 years ago. Our first day together was serving the people that the Lord holds highest in His Kingdom.

Christmas day, I gave Abhineeta a seven stone journey necklace, representing the beginning of our seventh year of knowing each other, and the beginning of our life together!

Yes, I'm Home!

2007-08-07T14:37:00.000-07:00

Many Greetings to All!

If you have followed my blog thoroughly, you are probably asking by this point in time, what happened to Greg? Where has he gone, and did he make it home?

WELL -
First things first.

My final days in Kenya were extremely rich. My economics professor, Dr. Hadley Mitchell, came to visit me and observe the work that I had been doing for the past year. We visited the CHESS office, and also a few small businesses. He also met the staff at our main Nairobi office, and we even made time for a half day safari at Nairobi National Park!

I was also visited by 2 college friends, that were in Nairobi via Kijabe to do some missions work, and teaching. We had a great, but brief, time together at the best coffee house in Nairobi.

From Kenya, I traveled on to India, to visit a close friend. I flew through Doha, Qatar on my journey to India...

Doha, Qatar. Well, if you have seen the new Transformers, then you know more about Qatar then I knew going into it. The only reference I had to Doha, was that the Doha Round of Trade Talks among western nations was there... I expected a quaint, hot, desert city bustling with people and camels. I couldn't have been more wrong. I have never seen a city as nice as Doha. An unbelievable amount of construction, every skyscraper in the city center is as nice as any one that I've ever seen.

How I was Able to Experience Doha...
When I was booking my flight to India, price was a substantial factor. I made my reservations through Doha, with a 12 hour layover at their airport. Unexpectedly, when I arrived at the airport, I was greeted with a complementary Visa, taxi ride, hotel room, and 3 buffet meals at a very nice restaurant! How is that for customer service! So - yes, if you are flying through the Middle East, fly Qatar Airways!
The passengers was a great blend of people from all over the world. I met a Chinese friend, and me and him decided to take a taxi into town, and check out their city center. Their mall had an ice skating rink, 4 floors, a go-kart track, an amusement park, and was strewn with every designer mall you'd expect to see in NYC. Their parliament building was nice than anything I'd seen, even in Washington, DC. (don't worry, pictures will come...).

SO -
After my excellent layover, it was onward ho to Delhi!
My time in India was an incredible experience. I honestly do not think I could do service to my time there in this blog, so please, if you are interested in hearing more about my time there (and you haven't already!), please email me at Greg.Matney@Gmail.com.
For now, though...
In just under a week, I traveled through Delhi, Agra, and Damoh. Delhi is a bustling metropolitan city, with great historical and architectural significance in India. In my two days there, I was able to see several ancient ruins, the current Parliament building, the State house, and many other noteworthy sites. Agra is home to the most magnificent building ever created, the Taj Mahal. It was truly a breathtaking experience viewing this masterpiece, a moment I will not quickly forget. Damoh is the home to my friend and her family. During my time in Damoh, I was able to interact with a Christian ministry, as well as observe the rich culture of India.

After my excellent experience in India, it was back to Kenya, to grab my things, and say goodbye to the staff! (and yes, quite a detour to just say goodbyes, but I had to keep this leg of my flight to keep costs low...). It was such a fruitful 18 hours in Nairobi - saying goodbyes to my home office, and meeting with my Bible Study. The office gave me a generous gift, and a farewell cake and party! The Bible Study hosted me for a last dinner with everyone, right before I made my voyage home! I couldn't have had a better ending to my year!

Well, that is all for now. I've been home for a few weeks, and soon, I'll write some thoughts and reflections, as well as add some pictures of India, Qatar, and finishing up Kenya. Als0 - I plan to continue blogging, so please plan on staying with me!

Bargaining

2007-06-21T03:40:00.000-07:00

So I am leaving Kenya in just under a week! There is so much on my mind, but I'm limiting myself now to one topic, its not yet time to reflect :)

Before that, though, let me let you know what I've been up to....

I've been spending a healthy amount of time continuing my work with Peter in Switzerland, and our new lending partner, Gitithia. I am on "draft 6" of their 3 Year Strategic Plan, and it looks like the 7th draft will be the final!

I have been assisting in the forging of a new partnership between Christian Mission Society (CMS), and Partners Worldwide Kenya. This morning, I attended a breakfast meeting, hosted by CMS, with speakers from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and World Bank. We hope to bring our respective circles of people together, and join our efforts of speakers and training sessions.

Pellagia and a small team of evaluators are in Kenya this week talking to business people about the progress Partners Worldwide has made during the "Million Mentors" Initiative. I had the chance to meet with the main evaluator, a college professor, and after I shared, he asked me if I
could share my comments with his university classes next fall! I'm very excited for that opportunity!

I had a group of visitors this past weekend, which was a blast! 3 friends, Taylor Alumni, came into Nairobi, and stayed at my place, and attended my church. It was such a blessing to meet up with these friends, and give them a glimpse of my life this past year!

Other than that, I've been running back and forth between Kiambu working on their new computer, meeting up with my friend Eric from Acumen and his friends, watching Season 6 of 24, and reflecting on my time in Kenya before I leave!

Bargaining

One of my three friends that visited this past week told me, "Everyone thinks they are a good bargainer." I do admit that it seems to be one of those things that if you feel good about your purchase, you must believe you are in fact, a good bargainer. Also, if the sales person is a good salesperson, you will come out of your purchase feeling that you came out the victor.

During my time in Kenya I've negotiated prices dozens if not hundreds of times; I have learned quite a bit along the way, and let me share the principles of practices of how I bargain.

When I bargain, my main priority is not to get the lowest price. It is to feel good about my purchase, and have the vendor feel good about their sale. Honestly. I'm not a "bottom dollar" bargainer, but I want to a get a low, fair price where I know that the vendor makes a profit, but not excessive.

I will admit that I do strategize. I don't just say, "I want to give you a fair price," because frankly, if this person hasn't had a sale all day, they may look at me for more profit than I want to give them....

To give you an idea of the type of market I'm talking about; this is hundreds of vendors and a handful of foreigners. They are grabbing you, pulling you every which way, and its a pretty chaotic situation. But in my mind, fun :)

Essentials....

Know the market. If you don't know what they pay their supplier for the good, then you will overpay.

Know the situation. Not every person that says "I am the artist" and has paint on their fingers really made the artwork. They know foreigners are more prone to buy if they tell them that they made it.

Know the timing. You can get a better price in the afternoon than the morning. Just because someone tells you, "you are my first customer, you get a special price" doesn't mean you are getting a special price. BUT - people are going to allow you to pay less during the afternoon if they have not made a good amount of sales that day.

Know what you want. I'll tell you, you can easily buy more than what you need, and pay more for it, if you don't keep your head. Always come with a list, and know your price limit beforehand.

Some fun strategy things to do....

Don't show particular interest in any one product. Scan their goods, point at a few, but don't even pick anything up....yet.

Say, "Today is a "looking day" for me, not a "buying day". BUT - if I was to make this a "buying day"; it'd have to be for this price...."

Leave the store, telling the vendor you'll return in 5-10 minutes, give them a reasonable but lower end price, and tell them to think about it while you are away....

My Buying Principles...

There is no point to downplay their product. You can downplay your interest, but what good does it do to tell someone that their products are of poor quality? I always always always complement the quality of the products (even if they are bad quality). Why? First, it makes that person feel good about what they do. Second, it establishes a mutual respect, which helps you make your purchase.

Be truthful. If you say you only have a certain amount of money, don't lie. Show them your wallet and the money you have. If you say you are going to return, return. People take that as a personal insult if you say you will return and do not (instead of in the US, where "I'll be back" is a polite way to decline.) If you want to stay under a certain price, tell them exactly what that is.

Don't go for bottom dollar. If you understand the system, you see that these people make very few sales. Further, the vendors I work with are rarely the shop owners, and work solely on commission. If I know their "break even" price with their boss, I'll know exactly what I am giving them, and what I am paying to their boss.

Bottom line - give the vendor respect. Talk to them as an equal, because they are. Don't be authoritative, but also don't allow yourself to be taken advantage of.

Last week, I spent an hour negotiating prices with a vendor. And this was on top of the hour I spent with him choosing what I wanted! For an entire hour, we sat, and wrote numbers in a notebook. I was pleased with the final outcome, but it was toilsome. At the end, I got a price which was about 20% of the price that we started at. But, this price still allowed him to get a reasonable profit on my purchases. At the end, he asked me if I wanted to be a politician!

Another time, I spent about 30 minutes talking with someone about a purchase. After a while, I didn't think that "my ceiling" was high enough to meet "his floor." Eventually, I decided that I did not think the purchase was going to work. I wanted to compensate him for his time he spent bargaining with me, because I knew that he could have found another customer. After I gave him a little money for his time, he told me that he respected me, and that now, he would give me the price I had asked.

Even today, I was looking for a few last minute purchases. Three of the vendors I spoke with may join one of the lending groups I talked to them about - even though I didn't even buy from all of them! Another woman told me, "that makes me feel really good" when I told her that I appreciated the high quality of her items - even though I didn't buy what I complemented!

Bottom line - People need money, they need to eat, therefore they need to make sales. BUT - people also respect. You can give respect by the way you treat a person when making a business deal. You can give respect by complementing the quality of one's items. You don't have to give someone money to give them respect. Sadly, most people that give someone money - give just that. My hope is to give money when its mutually advantageous, but give respect always. No exceptions.

Street Preacher

2007-06-04T22:31:00.000-07:00

After a long day of work, I hop on to my 12 seater mini-bus blaring hip-hop music so loud that you can't even think (and I like hip-hop!), and arrive at my destination in Nairobi's city center. From here, I take a walk on Nairobi's busiest streets, and after about 10 minutes, arrive at Nairobi's main bus station. Lines of dozens of 50 seat buses are lined up, each with a conductor holding out a card labeling where the bus is headed. I jostle with the best of them to board my number 32 towards Kibera. After I make it onto this sometimes moving-while-boarding bus, and find myself situated as close to the front as possible, I relax.

When I relax, I look out of the window of my bus, still at the station, and notice a man preaching to a crowd of hundreds - not only people trying to board a bus, but people that came to hear him preach. Yesterday, he was accompanied by a 12 or so year old boy who translated his speech into English. While street preachers often mix politics and religion in their speeches; the boy often said, "I do not lie....I tell you the truth....I tell you these things because no one else will."

While this is occurring, I often notice a man board my bus when all the seats are full. He isn't looking for a seat, but looking at the faces of those already seated. Once people are situated, he will sometimes get out a Bible and start preaching to the people.

Just this morning, I saw a group of 30 or so men sitting outside a construction site waiting for work. A well dressed man in a 3 piece suit was walking amongst these men waiting for work, preaching to them the Gospel.

The difference between this happening in Kenya and in America is that here, people listen. More than listen, crowds actually form to hear the words these street preachers are offering. I spoke with people that said even on long 4 hour bus rides, they have had preachers read the Word, or speak, the entire way. When I asked them if people felt their privacy was invaded, I received a response almost like the question wasn't understood. People seem to have the same respect here for street preachers, as they would from preachers in their churches (and these could even be the same people!). And note, this isn't just religious, I've heard of "preachers" sharing on long bus rides the positive effects of herbal medicine.

Regardless if you are for, or are in the majority who are against street preaching - it says something about the Kenyan people. They respect a stranger enough to listen to what he has to say. Like any public setting, they vote with their feet, but aren't as quick to walk as those I'm used to. And that alone, is refreshing. Refreshing that people respect each other enough to hear what they have to say. If this man is bold enough to stand on a street corner and preach on Christianity, politics, or herbal medicine, I should respect him enough to listen.

America doesn't have this warmth in public performances - the closest I've seen to it is if a man says he'll walk over broken glass while breathing fire (in Venice Beach, CA). In my opinion, there are too many dissonant voices. So many people but not enough platforms - and we Americans don't have intrinsic trust in the people occupying the public platforms that Kenyans have. And that is the crux. In Kenya, you give someone the chance until they prove you wrong, and even then, maybe you'll give them a few more chances. In America, albeit justified, you don't allow someone an opportunity to effect you, until they have proven themselves to you.

ATM

2007-06-03T22:23:00.000-07:00

Do you ever look at the 3 people in front of you at the ATM line and think, "man, I don't have time for this!". Ha, well I definitely know that I do.

This past Friday was a National Holiday, celebrating Kenya's Independence. Thursday was also the last day of the month; nearly all Kenyans get paid at the end of the month. Its interesting, because concerts and entertainment know this, and rarely plan things in the middle of the month, everyone plans events at the very end/or very beginning of the month, when they know people have CASH.

This Thursday, I was at an outdoor concert, but was a little low on cash, and thought I should run to the ATM to stock up. OK - so take in mind, this is the last day of the month, the day before a holiday, and therefore a long weekend. SO - this is the perfect time for people wanting to grab some extra cash. When I turned the corner, walking to the bank, I couldn't believe me eyes...

100 PEOPLE easy were in line. I'd never seen anything like this in my life. Over 100 people waiting on what I could see as 1 ATM machine; it would have taken 2 hours for me to get money! I wish I had a camera so you all could see how crazy this was!

I started thinking how long the LONGEST ATM line was that I had to wait for in the US? I know I've probably stood in a line of 10, but I can't even recall that! So...next time you are in a line of 3 waiting to grab some cash for the weekend, be happy that its not 100 :)

I'm coming home in less than a month now, and very much looking forward to it! I've loved my time here in Kenya, and still have some work to finish up on, but I'm ready to be back to my family and friends!

Pre-Planning, and Lots of Thoughts Things on my Mind

2007-05-29T05:41:00.001-07:00

So I was going to take you all through a daily look at our week with Gitithia, but just can't find the time!

Let me take you through some highlights:

Pre-Planning:

Nairobi National Park with Peter and Toby
I was especially intrigued by the monkeys that meticulously search their friends fur for lice. I don't know, it just made them seem so human to me! One monkey looking at the other and saying, "hey, that tree you just climbed through, it looked like a good spot for lice. Its been a few days since I've checked your fur, mind if I give a look?" The other monkey responding, "Hey George, thanks, I appreciate it. I'll make sure to do my weekly lice check-up on you tomorrow." (k, I doubt it happens like that, but it could...)

Mamlaka Hill Church Service
Right when we sat down for our 10 am church service, the main worship leader said that this day would be devoted to celebrating the nations. We started out singing a song in French; Peter couldn't believe he was in Kenya speaking his home language! I'll tell you, our church has such amazing energy, people who love the Lord. Its on a college campus, and its refreshing that there is nothing "cool" or "uncool" about loving the Lord and showing it; you're at church, so thats what you do! The pastor went on to share the story of Jesus at the home of a Pharisee. A man with dropsy (a condition where your organs enlarge) approached Jesus; and he invited this man and all of the other "outcasts" to church. It was very powerful, the pastor said, "You cannot think of Jesus without thinking of the man with dropsy, for thats who Jesus cares for."

AJAN.
Peter, Martin, and myself met with a Jesuit Priest who runs an organization that provides care and advocacy for children with AIDS in Kenya. I'd say the most interesting piece of information that came out of the conversation was the role of ARV (anti-retrovirals). This is the medicine that keeps those with AIDS healthy and strong. Really, its been coined a savior to Africans with AIDS, because Government and foundations have poured in money to make this expensive drug cheap or free. One thing the priest said was that it was very harmful to give a child this drug, which is essentially chemotherapy, in the HIV (not yet AIDS) phase. He said its best for one's health to keep clear of the drug for as long as possible, first. I had never heard this, and I hope this message is being sent to families and villages where children with AIDS live.

Heritage Home.
Later in the week, we traveled to Heritage Home, a place where children, mostly orphans, live and do schooling. If you've read my blog more than 5 times, chances are that you've heard of this place before. It is always a blessing going there and playing with the kids. We passed out about 1,000 colored pencils to the children, and had a great visit.

Things on my mind:
Ok, I've had quite a few things come through lately that I thought to share....

I saw a sign today that said, "SALE! Kuwait prices!" on gasoline. I'm not sure if it was for real, a marketing gimmic (most likely), or a joke, but I found it humorous.

I heard a quote last week that stuck with me, I hope it sticks with you (it goes along with my story of Jesus and the man with dropsy), "God is in the slums, in the cardboard boxes where the poor play house. God is in the silence of a mother who has infected her child with a virus that will end both their lives. God is in the cries heard under the rubble of war. God is in the debris of wasted opportunity and lives, and God is with us if we are with them." Bono

Last week, I saw a pretty awful thing on the news (not a surprise, but this one stuck with me). It was a community of drug users living together in Mombasa. They wanted help. They were all living there, waiting for someone to come and help them with their addiction. Until then, they kept using. This shows me how needy people are in this world, but how willing people are to accept any help that people give. We are so enslaved to this world's vices, but its possible to get free.

Keeping in the bad news, a trend in Kenya is Pyramid Schemes. Thank God, the Government is acting on the phenomenon, but tons of Kenyans have lost money on "get rich quick" schemes. A "bank" will open up and say, give us 10,000 Ksh ($140) this week, and come back next week for 30,000 Ksh. They pay off the first few, then when membership swarms, they run off. Its horrible for the individual, and has given legitimate micro-finance firms a bad image. People are searching for opportunities, and unfortunately, people are taking the ones that are too good to be true...

Last one I promise! Again, on the news was a village where a good number of the community members had chiggers (those killer bugs that bite your feet). Most residents didn't have enough money for shoes, and they showed the feet of elderly people and school children who had fallen victim. The really sad part of this story is that the village people said that the children and others who had chiggers were too ashamed to tell others and get some sort of medicine. I've heard it said that you are believed to be cursed if you have a condition there is no immediate cure for and even in a remote village, stigma is still an issue. Where everyone is on the same economic status, people still feel like they are better than other people. In an American setting, it'd be what kind of car you drive. In this village, it'd be not having chiggers.

And finally, good news! If I had money ($100,000 to be exact), I would invest in Kenya. ($100k is the minimum investment for a foreigner). I don't care what company, real estate, utilities, this country is on the move! Just yesterday, the President of Kenya announced a plan to inject 500B Ksh (over $7B) into the economy in 5 years. That's huge! Also, the numbers came out today and Kenya had a 6.1% annual growth in their economy.

Faces of Kenya

2007-05-28T01:29:00.000-07:00

Gitithia Pictures

2007-05-27T21:47:00.001-07:00

Distributing pencils to the Heritage of Faith kids

Checking out some of the pencils!

Peter passing out pencils to the Heritage kids

Look at that smile! I played soccer with this
little guy at Heritage of Faith; he didn't stay at
the home, but his mother was in intern there.

Giving pencils to the school children in Kiambu

Some school children outside of Kiambu.

A worker at Simon Nderu's metal shop

Explaining to me the process of manufacturing

A picture I'm very proud to see! Samuel, the
accountant for CHESS training the Gitithia staff
on the software that I had trained him on!

Meeting two of Gitithia's staff in Kiambu, before
introducing them to CHESS, another lending
group we partner with.

The whole gang. Peter, Martin, Gitithia Board
and Staff, and myself.

Again!

Quite a Full Week - Day 1

2007-05-26T02:22:00.000-07:00

This past week has definitely been one of my busiest since in Kenya! One of our new affiliate partners, Peter Neidecker, came to co-lead a strategic planning session with Martin and myself. Peter works for a large multi-national corporation, and is based in Geneva, Switzerland. His specialty is customer satisfaction, which was a great value to our time with the board and staff of Gitithia Rural Agro Finance.

This week was so full that this blog update would be a long read, so I'll break it into a few manageable reads :) This entry will be Pre- Strategic Planning....

Peter's Arrival into Kenya.
No major issues here. Martin and I were impressed with Peter's ability to convince the Airport Authorities not to tax his 6,000 colored pencils donation when he went through customs :) So after we picked up Peter, we took him to Java House (one of Kenya's finest establishments), and then to the hotel.

Day 1.
We started the day early, picked up Peter at his hotel, and did some intial planning and delegated responsibilities for our Strategic Planning Session. After spending a few hours deliberating, we made our way to Gitithia Rural Agro Finance Group's birthplace, their village church.

Unfortunately, the rains the last few days made our journey to the church quite adventurous! Fortunately, Martin was behind the wheel, and we made it there eventually. Only once did Peter and I get out of the car and push it up an impossibly high-angled hill with a group of 8 or so locals.

We were met by Moses, the Chairman of Gitithia's Board, as well as several other Board members. They toured us of the ground of their church, and the building project of a new church that has been put on hold - due to a lack of funding. We gathered in their churches, had our tea, and started our meetings. While we were meeting, children began filtering in and sitting in the pew seats - we were meeting at the altar. After about 15 children and 8 or so caretakers were present, our meeting switched gears from introductions and Gitithia's history to their CSR (corporate social responsiblilty) of caring for the community's orphans. I will say, this was quite a hard, touching, meeting; knowing that these children weren't properly fed, and a number of them were infected (HIV). Gitithia does the best they can to care for the orphans - with regular hospital visits, and feeding programs; but their funds are limited. Their current system allows them to serve 25 orphans a month. The funding comes from a surcharge of 10 shilings (15 cents) per month for each person that saves money with Gitithia.

The meetings continued, and we made our way to their current headquarters off of the main road in Uplands, much different than the Upland I knew! (Taylor University's hometown). We had a nice lunch, and talked operations with their General Manager and their staff. After a two hour meeting, we made our way to the Great Rift Valley Overview. This is one of the most beautiful seens in Kenya, and home to several Gitithia members. We gave them some business, and I got to put some of my negotiating skills to test for Peter! After acquiring some small soapstone statues, masai blankets, and necklaces, we made our way back to Nairobi.

Grabbed a quick dinner, and got ready for Day 2....

100th Post!

2007-05-25T02:06:00.000-07:00

So I'm pretty excited that this is my 100th blog entry on this website. This week has been a tremendous success! Get ready for nearly 50 pictures and probably 5 separate blog updates!

Me with our new Partners Worldwide North
American Affiliate, Peter Neidecker at Naraobi
National Park

A Few Rhinos

Me at Nairobi Nat'l Park

A male impala with his entourage of 3 females

A grazing heard of zebras.

Me and my friend Toby. He is in my Bible study,
and he is volunteering at a children's home before
attending Cambridge University next year.

Giraffes eating some grub!

Martin, Peter, and I at the Great Rift Valley.

Me taking the Gitithia staff and board through
a presentation.

Martin leading a workshop.

Quite a few colored pencils that Peter received as
donations from a Swiss Colored Pencils company
for the orphans we work with. 6000 pencils to be
exact!

My amazing church, Mamlaka Hill - Nairobi Chapel.

Spidey's Girl, Legendary 23, Safaricom CEO

2007-05-15T01:26:00.000-07:00

So what does Spiderman's Girlfriend, the Chicago Bull's Legendary Superstar, and the CEO of Kenya Mobile Phone Titan Safaricom, all have in common? Yep, you guessed it, all go by the name "MJ"! But, apart from Mary Jane and Michael Jordan, Britain Michael Joseph can boast the best performing company in East Africa, with the record-breaking profits to prove it.

Last evening at the Nairobi Hilton, Martin, Jayne (a KIT employee) and I listened to Safaricom CEO, Michael Joseph, share his business practices to over 300 business students and invited guests. Some CEO's claim humility, for example the Wal-Mart CEO hesitating to stand for applause during the Shareholder's Meeting of 25,000 in Bentonville, Arkansas. Michael Joseph would have jumped forward, spread his arms wide, and proudly bow for the crowd. "Some people say I'm not a team player," stated Joseph. "That's right," he went on, "I'm not a team player, I'm a team leader." Joseph believes one needs to stand in front, if you want your corporation to be the industry leader, then your persona needs to reflect that. And Safaricom, led by Joseph, boasting the largest profits for any east African company, surely stands in front.

Although an engineer by trade, Joseph spoke that his position is much closer to a politician, appeasing shareholders, customers, and Government alike. While rightfully confident, Joseph would be the first to tell you he carries a hint of arrogance. In response to question, "do you currently mentor anyone; would you consider me as a mentee?," Joseph explained that he would make a horrible mentor, he has no patience. He went on to say that if you want to make a presentation to him, it better be under 5 slides, or he won't pay attention. His confidence also bordered arrogance in reference to his main competitor, Cel-Tel. He shared that its difficult having nearly 80% of the cell phone industry, and that he wished his competitor would do something right to gain back a few percentage points! When asked what he would do if hired by his competitor, his first words were, "I'd cry."

Personality aside, Joseph offered a host of sound business advice. Don't rely on management books to make business decisions, rely on your gut, which may take those management books into consideration, but won't make your decisions. Build your brand, never let your brand image tarnish. Cash is King, don't go into business without one year's worth of cash. Your customer may not know what they want, guide them with your products. Be as open and honest with your customers as possible. Recruit people who can do your job for you. You do not have to crumble to corruption. Build something to be proud of. Every step in your life is another step to success.

Joseph was the first to admit his mistakes. He didn't boast a wealth of information, but spoke from his gut, and hardly followed his Powepoint. One audience member, and obvious Safaricom customer asked, "Why don't you consider allowing one to buy more credit for their conversation during that call, so they do not have to hang up, add more minutes, and call back?" Joseph honestly responded, "You know, we have the technology to do that, I honestly haven't thought about that. But now I will. Thanks." Another lady, "Mr. Joseph, you have forgotten about us, your corporate post-paid clients. All of the giveaway prizes and marketing goes into your scratch-card pre-paid clients. You have forgotten about us." Instead of Joseph defending his marketing strategy, he acknowledged their lack of emphasis on these customers, and told her how it would change in the months to come.

Further, I've been told by a friend that works for Safaricom that he often walks through the aisles of the customer service reps just to chat. And it was this type of attitude he built Safaricom. It was with his "people first" mentality he decided to implement per second billing, instead of per minute which brings in 25% more revenue. He was the first in the industry to give free 24/7/365 customer service. In a mere 7 years, he turned 17,000 dis-satisfied custmers to nearly 6.5 M pleased Safaricom users. He strategized without knowledge of what the competition will do in return, and shocked mother-company Vodafone, with his success in Kenya.

Joseph has the desire, and ability to make a significant impact on Kenya and the world at large. Cell phones do amazing things for developing countries that do not have land line phone structures. A quick message from one village to the next can inform farmers of the market price of corn, a family member can have tragic or joyful messaged quickly relayed, and millions of other reasons why all earthlings now consider the cell phone an extension of self. You say cell phones get people to communicate, old news - BUT MJ and Safaricom are now pushing the limits of what a phone can do. Cell phones can now be used to transfer money in Kenya. You go to a licensed Safaricom dealer, give them 3,000 shillings ($42), and a message is sent to your mother in her village. She gets the message, goes to her village Safaricom rep, and collects the 3,000 ksh. In 8 weeks, and with a maximum limit of 3,000 ksh per transaction, Safaricom has distributed 200 million Kenyan shillings. Joseph shared the plans of expanding this M-Pesa (Mobile Pesa - meaning money) serivce to the UK and eventually US, cracking into the $150M market of remittances sent to Kenya.

I was fortunate enough to ask Joseph a question, on the challenges that he sees in bringing this product to the international market. I anticipated a response of vicious competition and pressure from money transfer companies, such as Western Union. Instead, he shared concerns of Kenya's Central Bank on exchange rates and money laundering - hence the importance of knowing your customers, who is giving money to whom.

I left the conference hall of near 500 attendees quite pleased, and inspired by what Safaricom could do. Just before leaving the hall, I took one of my business cards, and wrote "mzungu who asked int'l money transfer question on the back," JUST in case I ran into MJ on the way out. Luck had it, I bumped into him just as him and his two bodyguards were entering his olive green Range Rover. I slid him the card in hopes that the clue of "mzungu" (white person) on the back would bring my face to mind if I ever tried contacting him. Usually, a face in the crowd is quickly forgotten, but I'm hoping I stood out, being one of two (MJ the other) mzungus I counted in the room :)

So who am I most impressed with MJ, MJ, or MJ? Mary Jane has the voice and good looks, but only her bf has the superpowers. Michael Jordan is the best basketball player of all time, but I'm a bit disappointed that he hasn't used his star power to promote greater global causes like Bono and others.... BUT - Michael Joseph, confident, effective, innovative - has the ability and desire to make a longstanding significant impact on Kenya and the world at large.

Prepping for Gitithia

2007-05-10T00:26:00.000-07:00

This week, I've spent a majority of my time and effort in preparing for a week long visit with our newly established partner, Peter Neidecker. I met Peter in Washington D.C. last year at a business conference. When I told him about Partners Worldwide, and my upcoming travels to Kenya, he seemed very interested, and thus began our relationship.

During my first few months in Kenya, I searched organizations that may be wise financial charitable gifts for Peter, as I knew he was interested in assisting children with AIDS. When Martin introduced me to Gitithia, a rural agro-financing group of nearly 2,500 members, I knew this would be an opportunity Peter would find compelling. Gitithia Rural Agro Financing Group provides training and capital to nearly 2,500 entrepreneurs, but assists children living with AIDS as part of their social responsibility. Instead of merely asking Peter to donate funds to their socially responsible initiative, I urged him to consider becoming a strategic partner for this group. Gitithia has seen tremendous growth in the past few years, and Peter's experience in training and capacity building allowed Partners Worldwide to form a mutually beneficial partnership.

Next week, Peter will be traveling from Geneva, Switzerland to Nairobi, Kenya. He will spend a little over a week with Martin and myself, and the Gitithia team. Peter is coming with some great resources of training exercises that will challenge Gitithia, as they forge their future path. After our training workshops complete, we hope to be able to form a 3 year Strategic Plan for Gitithia.

Yesterday, the Gitithia Leadership came to our offices, and we had a preliminary call with Peter, going through his reasons for coming, and what we all hope to accomplish. I am confident that our thorough planning, and building of this relationship will create an environment for a successful time together. I will update next week on what comes of our meetings!

Thought for the Day: Advertising.
I love advertising. I'd go as far as to say its one of my passions. I'm not an artist, nor am I focused in marketing, but I love critiquing the methods that companies use to promote themselves, and their products. Particularly in Nairobi, the most fascinating form of advertisement I have found is billboards. For maybe the past 5 years, every time I see a billboard, I analyze it. I don't think about the product, I think about the font used, color schemes, and intended message conveyed.

In my untrained marketing mind, I see billboards as a snapshot. A company knows that they may only have 5 seconds of time when you are driving past the sign, and at most you may allow your eyes to sway for one second. If I was in advertising, I'd wish to focus on billboards. In this snapshot, you tell a story. Some billboards are designed in ways that require multiple readings of that story (several drive-bys before you actually understand), while others are plain simple. Some tell a complex story that evokes multiple human sensations, and others have a big picture of a piece of chicken that says, "Eat Here." I'm not so keen to the "eat here's", but I really enjoy noticing how multi-national companies decide to market their product in a Kenyan market. I've seen 3 ways.

First, very little adaptation, we'll call this universal marketing. This may be for something like flat screen TV's. A product that may not need much "cultural sensitivity" in its marketing. This are largely ineffective, and do not evoke much human emotion, mostly because the billboard is simply of their product, no humans interacting with it! Second, you'll see a company that "Kenyan-izes" their product. They'll take their lotion, cologne, deodorant, lending product, beer, etc. and show it being used by a Kenyan. We'll call this specialized or localized marketing. In a broad generalization, I would say that localized marketing is more effective than universal marketing. BUT - the 3rd type of advertising is what really inspires me. Marketing that I'd call "integrated marketing." This is connecting the global corporation to the Kenyan. Not simply showing a Kenyan drinking the international coffee drink, but bringing both the world and the Kenyan together. The best example I've seen for this is DHL. A billboard that stated, "From London West End to Westlands". (Westlands is a suburb of Nairobi, where my office is). This advertisement successfully connected Westlands - Kenya to London - the world. It is this advertising that allows the national consumer to feel a sense of national pride; this company cares enough about our market to target us specifically, and our country can connect to the greater world. (It is the latter part of that statement that localizing fails to do.)

I think the best examples of integrative marketing in the Kenyan market are Barclays Bank, Coca-Cola, and DHL. All three of this companies are global, and all three make a strong effort to show both their priority to the Kenyan market, and the connection the Kenyan market has to their markets in other countries. Of course, Kenyan companies have no need to integrate their products. And yes, they exploit this fact. One bank proudly boasts "Because We're Kenyan", and several Kenyan companies that compete with multi-national do the same. Beyond simply integrating, though, the best advertisers in Kenya create worlds their products live in. Coca-Cola allows you to "live on the Coke side of life." Barclays allows you to "Grow your home", "Grow your business", grow your life. In my opinion, the key to advertising in Kenya is integrating your global product to the Kenyan market by creating a "world" where both can live together.

Every Day, I Expect a Miracle

2007-05-07T01:58:00.000-07:00

Before I continue with the entry I intended to write this weekend, I'll give the latest update on KQ Flight 507. As of this morning, the wreckage had been found in a mangrove swamp in heavy forests; confirming that the plane did in fact crash. There have been no word of confirmed fatalities, etc....

On a much lighter note, this weekend, I spent my Saturday at the Heritage of Faith Home for children. When Martin and I arrived, all of the kids were yelling, "Martin! Martin! Martin!" He's become quite the celebrity there! Since Martin is a board member, he often visits the school for meetings; but this was an informal progress report by the high schoolers.

Since he was preoccupied, I decided to walk around the home, greet the kids, and chat with a few that have remembered me from previous visits. The floor was covered with the peels of french beans, and some of the kids were peeling carrots, putting beans in a bowl, or boiling rice.

It wasn't too long until I made it outside with a group of guys to play soccer! (Yes, in writing I notice that it may have been more virtuous to grab a carrot and peel...) Unfortunately, there was some construction going on where we usually play. We adapted, and played a bit constricted - our "field boundaries" were a small fire boiling about 200 pounds of beans, five new puppies chasing their mother, a few cars (which we used as part of the field more than a boundary!), and their school building where every few minutes someone would dump water from the rooftop.

After we got a group of about 10 or so, I decided to start a game inspired by my mother. Her version of the game is taking a ball of any sort - tennis ball to basketball - throw it in the air, and see how many claps you make before catching it. You start at 1, then 2, so on and so forth - to date, my record is 11. So, since these kids are much more inclined to soccer, I switched it to juggling - kicking a ball - as many times as you can, starting at 1....

We started at 1, everyone went around. 2, then 3. A few of the youngsters got caught up at 4. 5, then 6. At 6- I learned two things.

First, these kids are much less competitive than I thought they'd be. It was much less a competition, than an exercise in which they all wished each other to succeed. We didn't have any established rules of how many chances you got, but it just sorta happened, that the older kids allowed the younger kids more tries. They settled on 3. And I assumed a rule of elimination, you didn't get 4 kicks on the ball, you are out of the next round to try 5. But no, in their minds, if you weren't able to accomplish 4 kicks, it had nothing to do with you trying 5.

I also realized that these kids are good; like really good. They were being polite, not saying anything when I started at 1, made my way to 6. At 6, one kid suggested to me, "how about we go from 6 to 10?". I said, ok no problem. By this point in time, most of the kids under 8 or so were out of the game, and now a small handful of kids 9-13, the serious footballers, were still in. And after we all made 10, another kid, "how about going from 10 to 20?" Again I said no problem, but my skill level didn't agree, 16, thats all I got. After they all got 20 kicks, they basically said, "Ok, we like your version. But here's how we play."

1 kid grabbed a stick and started making a grid in the dirt ground - it was like they were now letting my into their club. Writing the first letter of our first name, and then a space under to write numbers. He looks up at me, "I say G." Sratching the nearly illegible letters nearly into the dirt, one boy looked at another and said, "300?", and they looked at me and said, "Eh, we'll make it 250." Confused, I said, "so, what do do?". They responded kindly, "Its easy. First to 250 wins." They allow me the chance to go first, I get 6. The next kid goes, he gets 250. Short game.

We start over with the new record of 300. Before my attempt, they write "50" under "G" line, a handicap to my skill level :) I get 21 - putting my "handicapped total" to 71. The next guy gets about 100. We continue, after 3 rounds, someone already totaled 300.

As all of this was going on, the little kids are mostly admiring the skills of the older kids. I noticed a few were more focused on Martin's car than our footballing. They loved opening the car door and making the alarm go off. I had his keys, so about every 5 minutes, I chuckled, and turned the alarm off - yes I've developed patience :) One girl, with an apparent growth deficiency, maybe 7 years old and susbstantially under 4 feet tall, pulled me to the car, and pointed to the tire, and made the action of kicking it. I looked at her, and say, "so you want me to kick the tire?" She smiled and nodded big. I was a bit confused; it had dirt on it, maybe she wanted it clean, but I was yet to see the fun in this game. Little did I know I was the fun. I gave the tire a big kick and the car alarm goes off and made me jump! She is cracking up, I think that made her day, when her friends saw that she got me good.

We all took a break for lunch. A lunch prepared by the hands of the children. A lunch where not one grain of rice or pea went un-eaten. A lunch of rice, beans, and carrots - substantial portions no doubt, that these kids eat nearly ever meal. A lunch that could be eaten with the satisfaction that it was the fruit of their own hands.

After lunch, I walked with the founder of the home, Teresia, and Martin to see the progress that has been made on their facilities. In less than 2 months, they had finished their stables, and bought pigs and cows both for eating and selling. Teresia shared the stories of how the money came for these purchases; a friend of hers randomly stopping by and giving 10,000 ksh ($140), and check from an American for $8,000, a neighbor coming by with 2 large buckets of ugali (a staple food in Kenya). Teresia's attitude never ceased to amaze me, "Every day," she shared, "I expect a miracle." And with that faith, miracles come daily to her.

The blessings on her home are strong - the Spirit is there. The place reminds me of a missions home in Northern Ireland I had spent one month at. These two places could not be more different. One is a mansion on the banks of the irish sea, and the other is a concrete block make-shift school in rural Kenya. But in both places - the Spirit is there. The founders have big visions. Teresia in Kenya, John Moxen in Ireland. Both expect miracles daily, and have experienced incredible blessings in their lifetime.

How would your life be different if every day, you expected a miracle?

114 Feared Dead

2007-05-06T02:46:00.000-07:00

This is just a message both to let everyone know I'm ok, and also to ask for prayers for the families of those who had loved ones on Kenya Airways Flight 507 from Cameroon to Nairobi, Kenya. There is a Kenya Airways pilot in my bible study, but we have heard word of her safety. Its horrible that 25 countries had citizens on this flight; the majority (35) coming from Cameroon, 9 Kenyans, 1 American...

They are still searching for the plane in the dense West African jungles; please pray for their search as well.

This is the worst airline accident in Kenya's history.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L05634115.htm

Job Announcement!

2007-05-04T06:23:00.000-07:00

Greetings to All,

I just wanted to formally announce that I will be joining Partners Worldwide full-time from their home office in Grand Rapids, Michigan! This will be in effect August 15, and I will be serving as Partnership Manager. In this position, I will be overseeing projects and facilitating our relationships in the Philippines, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Mozambique, Senegal, and Tanzania.

I'm very looking forward to this exciting opportunity!

Pictures :)

2007-05-04T03:38:00.000-07:00

Matatus at General Post Office, and someone selling magazines.

A tuk-tuk taxi outside of the post office in Mombasa

You have to drink quite a bit of water to stay hydrated in Mombasa!

Hollywood Withdrawal

2007-05-03T04:29:00.000-07:00

Last night, I was preparing my bags, getting ready to leave my YWCA hostel for the bus stop. My bus was leaving at 10:15 pm, arriving in Nairobi at around 6 am. The only issue I have with the night bus is our half hour break for snacks and stretching our legs at 2:30 AM. At that point in the night, a break for Twix and Sprite doesn't seem so necessary (even though I got one...).

Almost ready to leave the hostel, I cleared my bill, my bags were packed, and I was waiting for a "tuk-tuk" (mini 3 wheel taxi, pronounced tewk tewk) to pick me up at 9:30. Little did I know that Mombasa would be raining cats and dogs at this time! It was too late to cancel and call a taxi, but I thought weathering the storm in a tuk-tuk would just add to the fun.

While waiting, I was finishing the last chapter of The World is Flat. I don't think I've ever read a 500 page book in 3 weeks, but it was such an enjoyable read, I highly recommend it! As I was reading in the front hallway of a hostel, a man in his mid 30's came up and introduced himself to me; Alex. He had been staying in the hostel for a week, but it was the first time we had run into each other. I let him know that I'm a bit elusive; I take my morning breakfast at a cafe, work all day, eat dinner near where I work, and usually get back to the hostel around 8 pm. He didn't say what he was doing in Mombasa, or for how long he was going to be at the hostel, but I just assumed he was one of the civil servant government workers, because I knew there were many in hostel at that time.

Instead of carrying on with much small talk, Alex said to me, "Man, I've always wondered what it'd be like to be the ONLY white guy in a room." I laughed and told him that it was a strange thing for me; for about the first month. I shared a story of my first time in a village. Martin had parked the car and had briefly gone to see a friend. And there I was, sitting with the windows rolled down in the front seat of his car, pretending to read a book, while about 15 kids gathered around the car, staring me down. I was too new and unfamiliar with Kenya (and my Swahili) to try and strike up any conversation. It was such an awkward experience of 30 eyes on me that I even started laughing - the kids must have thought I was reading a knee-slapper. I shared with him that being "the only white guy" is a different experience, depending on your surroundings; village, city, church, etc... Alex told me that I'll go through some withdrawal when I go home; I'll walk past strangers and notice that they didn't even try and strike up conversation with me, and not even a request for an autograph! (kidding). In his projections, I'm a celebrity in Kenya, and it will be a humbling experience coming back to Hollywood, where all the celebrities live together. Ultimately, in Hollywood, I'll just be another Joe. I hadn't really thought about it that way, but I thought it was a humorous, interesting perspective on being a "mzungu" (white person) in Kenya.

I very much enjoyed this conversation, because Alex seemed to appreciate my honesty, so I gave it to him. I told him that it has been a strange experience always being "on guard" knowing that I was being watched. I told him, "Even now, Alex. I wanted to finish my book, but I noticed you and six or seven others where in the family room watching the evening news." I consciously think, "Do these people think that I believe myself to be better than them, and thats why I'm not joining them?" And, "Does this guy not take breakfast with us, because he is too good for this food?". At this point, I think he understood that its not always a "celebrity lifestyle" being the only white person. It can be exhausting at times if I overly concern myself with how I am being perceived by the culture at large.

Alex said, "hey, don't worry about it, you are waking up early, working, coming back late. You are doing what it takes to be successful in this world. Things move so fast now, and its up to us to move fast with them, or stand by the side and watch." Funny, that is exactly what my book I was just finishing was referring to! I told Alex that its important you don't run with the pace of the world just because its going that fast, but make sure you take the time to slow down, and and do things like enjoy the company of others while eating meals. Continuing on his line of thought, he told me, "Everyone has problems. You can either work hard towards the success of your problem, or you can sit in your problem. You can complain about your situation, or become comfortable with your situation. BUT - the best way is to acknowledge the problem, and move forward."

It was only now that Alex told me that he was in town for Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. At points in our conversation, I could have sworn he was a public speaker or a comedian. This helped me learn to never judge a person by what they are going through, or what they have been through. He was able to give me the advice he did because of his problems, and now his progress towards overcoming.

I left Alex telling him he'd be in my prayers, and saying it was unfortunate we met as I was leaving. I lugged my 4 bags into the open-air "tuk-tuk" in the pouring rain, and continued on my journey, with another gem of knowledge from a stranger.

America is Good

2007-04-30T08:49:00.000-07:00

I’ve made friends with a man that owns a small souvenir shop near my office. I stop by every few days to say hello, and every few weeks, I give him some business. Last week, I asked him if he had a souvenir that I hadn’t seen in so many places – a painted ostrich egg. He did not have one, but took the effort of locating someone that did. Yesterday, I met him at his souvenir shop, and we walked together to visit the other shop. During our walk, we had some interesting conversation.

He asked me, “How is America?”. BUT – not in the way that every Kenyan asks me, “How is America?”, like “How are you?”. I’ve known him for too long for him to be content with my normal, “America is good” response. Also, it’s a strange sensation, but after being in a poor country for a while, you get the urge to downplay your home country. Most of these people won’t ever have the chance to visit America, so why speak so highly of a place they already view as Utopia. As one report I read said, “Kenyans say its easier to get into Heaven than America.” Why say how green the grass is on your side when the fence is too tall to see over?

So, with this in mind, I replied, half-smiling “America can’t possibly be as good as everyone says it is.” And with how highly people regard America, the country most reading this call home, that statement is true!

My friend’s response was, “Well, does your father have a car?” I said, “yes, he has a car.” And he said, “See, America is too good. You are so wealthy!”. There is no question that I have a wealth that most across the world would call opulent, but its an eye-opener to realize. When someone’s basis of lavish wealth is if your father owns a car, it really places you in someone else’s shoes.

As our conversation continued, I learned a bit about his family, and his past career. He used to be a driver of large trucks. One day he got in an accident which badly injured his leg. (Hence our very slow procession to this other souvenir shop, it took about a half an hour in 100 degree weather to walk less than a half mile). He told me all of his money went into his hospital bill. At a point in the conversation, he asked me, “How old do you think I am?”. He didn’t ask me so I would experience any sort of shock, but in response to me telling him that I was 23, and no I wasn’t in the market for a Kenyan wife! (For maybe the 1000th time someone has asked!). I responded, “58?”, full knowing that he was in his mid 60’s, just trying to be generous. When he responded, “52. I’m 52 years old,” I was shocked! When you live a hard life, you sure age quickly. And believe it or not, he is already past the average life expectancy of Kenya which is around 45.

This story has no overall theme, or intended purpose. Just to share a conversation I had with a friend, a Souvenir Shop owner, a father, a Kenyan. Sometimes I’m hesitant to write of stories that make Kenya or Kenyans seem poor. Indeed, there is a beauty in this culture, but I’d be misleading my readers if I downplayed the overwhelming aspect poverty plays in the lifestyles of many. Not all, but many. It is important to know that progress is being made, more jobs are slowly being created, Kenya’s GDP is growing much faster than America’s - that’s my statistic, but I read in the WSJ that growth was 1.3% last quarter, and Kenya’s is closer to 5% annual.

There are many devoted to the cause of a New Africa – An Africa free from extreme poverty, disease, and an Africa that actualizes its economic potential. And I for one am a believer. Look at the progress China and India are making in the world market. These two countries have made great strides, even if they also have a ways to go in addressing poverty issues. I’ll tell you, a great deal of my enthusiasm can be in the mere way international poverty is being addressed in America. People like Bono, who uses American media, like American Idol last week, and Oprah a few months ago, to raise tens of millions. People like Bill Gates, who sponsors innovative initiatives, like an international contest where scientists/engineers/economists the world over write papers on how to best address poverty through health. His foundation concluded 14 points – or winners to the contest - (How to create effective single-dose vaccines that can be used soon after birth, how to prepare vaccines that do not require refrigeration, how to develop needle-free delivery systems for vaccines, how to better understand which immunological responses provide protective immunity, how to better control insects that transmit agents of disease, how to develop a genetic or chemical strategy to incapacitate a disease transmitting insect population, how to create a full range of optimal bioavailable nutrients in a single staple plant species, and hot to create immunological methods that can cure chronic infections) and then gave $250M to their fruition. (From my new favorite book, The World is Flat).

Americans seem to be caring more. Groups like the ONE Campaign, an organization that fights global poverty, have over one million members, and spokespeople like Brad Pitt. Its “in” to care about the poor, and whatever negative ramifications that may have, I think its encouraging and promising for the world at large. America’s philanthropic spirit should be appreciated, and its usage of pop culture is wise. So yes, in America’s perspective of how to help the world, I could justify telling my friend,

America is good.

Blessings,

Greg

Just a Few Months to Go!

2007-04-25T09:09:00.000-07:00

Greetings to all friends, family, colleagues - spiritual encouragers and financial supporters,

There are only a few months left of my one year appointment in Kenya ! I am already reflecting on what I'll miss in this beautiful country – morning tea, fresh mango juice, my bible study, smiles of strangers, the beautiful language and culture, and the friendships I've formed!

Please allow me to share a summary of my work, life lessons, and a few continued needs!

Work.
Currently, I am in Mombasa visiting members and updating the computer systems of Fullscale Business Trust. The office was able to acquire a new computer which has substantially increased my productivity in completing tasks. In other news, Fullscale Business Trust (FBT) is in the process of changing their legal registration from a trust to a Savings and Credit Cooperative which will allow better collaboration with the Government of Kenya, and will increase the group's networking abilities. Also, FBT is diligently pursuing delinquent repayments to ensure future capital to meet the financial needs of their members!

Next month, I will be working with Program Manager Martin Mutuku and our new European Partners Worldwide affiliate in implementing a strategic planning session for our newest country partner, Gitithia Rural-Agro Finance Group. This lending group has over 2,500 members and is growing daily!

Life Lessons.
Young and old, we all desire purposeful lives, substantive work, meaningful relationships, and a connection with Our Maker. Though, many in developing countries are forced to essentially delay these life desires in order to address more immediate needs of food and shelter.

Michael is twelve years old, currently in school, and like me, spends his weekends on the beach. One day, Michael, his friends, and myself all enjoyed an afternoon of soccer until I cut my foot open on a rock! After bandaging the wound, I treated these three boys to lunch. Now I run into Michael and his friends nearly every weekend. I have enjoyed teaching these boys how to play Frisbee, along with hearing about their lives, school, and family.

Recently, heavy rains poured in Mombasa . While the rain brought much needed relief to the hot weather, it unfortunately brought infection and disease to many. The rains have contributed to my minor eye infection, but worse, gave Michael a bad case of Malaria. Praise God, Malaria medicine is offered free of charge through Government provision. Still, when Michael's friends approached me and shared the news of his condition, I gave them the food in my bag and a few dollars for Michael – since he could no longer rely on searching the beach for people willing to spare a few coins.

I give to these boys not because they are most needy, but because of the relationship we have formed. Hopefully, they are able to look past the bread I hold in my hand and see a friend. Likewise, I look past their outreached hands, and see the same. And so it is with all human relationships – meeting the dire allows an eventual progression to meeting one's more meaningful needs.

Similarly, in our lending groups, we surely meet immediate financial needs of our members, but our focus is long term issues of increasing their skills, and adding value to their products. This is what creates jobs and brings those out of poverty! We are able to empower lives and enable dignity both through loans and our business development services, such as mentoring.

Continued Need.
Like Michael, I turn to my support during financial need – praying the focus is on our relationship rather than the outstretched hand! My initial budget completes in May, but the continued need of ensuring implementation of partnership agreements has brought me to stay until July. This creates an additional budget of over $3,000 which was not originally accounted for. With this stated, I am very grateful for those who have already contributed financially. Also, I'm extremely grateful for those that have not given monetarily, but often share with me that they closely follow my blog (KenyaGreg.blogspot.com ), or that I am often in their thoughts and prayers! Further, I acknowledge that Michael's needs are much more basic than my own, but please consider taking this opportunity and investing in the lives of those affected by my work in Kenya!

If you'd like to give, here are a few ways how:
Online:
http://partnersworldwide.org/waystogive/index.html
Mail: Partners Worldwide, 2850 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49560
Phone: 616-224-5874 or 1-800-919-7307

Like I shared, financial support at times seems most urgent, but is hardly the only way to support a ministry! Your prayers, thoughts, and encouragement are with me always.

Many blessings to you all,
May God meet your current and lifelong needs the same!

Greg

Not a “Hostile” Situation

2007-04-17T03:39:00.000-07:00

For the past week, and for the next few more, I’ll be living in the Y.W.C.A (yes, men are allowed) hostel. The room is clean, they tidy it up daily, the space is sufficient, and the fan is powerful (definitely the most important feature for the heat of Mombasa).

Until 2 nights ago, I was yet to gain an understanding for the “community” of the hostel. I noticed that most people came in and out, but there were a few that seemed to be there for a while. As a visitor to a foreign country, I wanted to make sure that I was friendly to this community, but not “out of place.” For instance, you wouldn’t go around and try and meet your neighbors when staying at a Holiday Inn, but you may if you were spending a summer in an apartment.

Well, on Sunday night, I was coming back to the hostel at about 9 pm, and noticed the power was out. Since this is not an especially rare occurrence, I quickly learned the Swahili phrase for “no power.” So – with dim-lit candle light, I greeted the silhouettes of the guard and other residents who were all gathered outside chatting. I confirmed there was no power by asking, “hakuna estima?”, and they all sparked up conversation, excited that I knew a bit of Swahili. I had a nice conversation with a man I could not see so well with the poor lighting, but told me his name was Charles, and he stays a few doors down from me. He told me that he’s seen me around, and had just one question for me. “Why do you not take tea in the morning?” He told me he saw me nearly every morning chug down a juice, and go on my way to work. It’s about a 15 minute walk to the office, and I usually prefer to take my daily breakfast of two mandazis (Kenyan donut), two small bananas, mango juice, and bottle of water at a small café outside of my office. (All for just over $1). He told me that he was so surprised by my “lack of tea-taking” that he asked the others in the cafeteria, “Why does this mzungu (white person) not take tea?” I explained to him that on hot days (its usually 80 by 8 am, and 90 by noon) I don’t wake up dreaming of a steamy cup of tea. He told me that I obviously haven’t heard of the wisdom of the locals, “hot days call for hot drinks.” While I told him this was news to me, I assured him that I’m a regular tea-taker in Nairobi, and on the rainy days, he’ll see me in that cafeteria drinking chai (Swahili for tea) with the rest of them! Hopefully that assurance instilled in him a bit of hope for Mzungus!

The Y.W.C.A hostel is far from my stereotype of scary and hostile, but rather a warm hospitable community. I’m glad that the power outage brought me to a cordial conversation with one of its residents. And gave me the advice that challenges conventional wisdom – hot days call for hot drinks.

Rainy Season....in Momasa!

2007-04-13T07:40:00.000-07:00

So I know I wrote a blog a few weeks ago about the rainy season, but it finally came to Mombasa today. I spoke with a guy that lives right on the water, and he told me last night it sounded like a group of jets were flying over the ocean. The sky turned black, and from here on out, not so many sunny days in Mombasa. I can't say I'm overly upset considering how darn hot its been lately!

Otherwise, work has been good this week. We purchased a new faster computer for the Fullscale Office so my loan software has been updating much faster! I'll be down here for 2-3 more weeks, and then back to working with the groups in Nairobi!

Ok, short update! Hope all is well with everyone, many blessings, enjoy the weekend,

Greg

Happy Easter!

2007-04-09T23:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to all!

I hope everyone had a nice, relaxing weekend. In Kenya, both Good Friday and Easter Monday are National Holidays, so I've really enjoyed my 4 day weekend!

My work in Nairobi finished well this past weekend, and this weekend, I travelled to Mombasa. I had forgotten that everyone from Naiorbi goes to "The Coast" over Easter, so it was a little troublesome to get a bus ticket! I managed to get a night bus ticket, which left Nairobi at 9:30 pm, and got in at 6 am. Overall, it was fine, just taking your half-way break at 2 AM, and having the light turned on in the whole bus every half hour for safety reasons doesn't do much for a good nights rest! I sat next to a lady about my age who was travelling to Mombasa for the first time, but to live there. I very much enjoy the feeling of being "an expert" in Kenya, and told her that Mombasa is a great place to live, and there is nothing for her to worry about!

So I feel I must mention, Mombasa is hot. And I've been here for months before, but now, its like really hot, I'd say definitely pushing 100 every day. I bought a 5L water jug, which usually takes 3 days for Me, Martin, and Carol (Martin's sister) to go through, and I went through the entire thing in a day!

I went to Mombasa Pentecostal Church for Easter, and had a nice Easter meal with three of my friends from Nairobi that were in Mombasa for the weekend. We went to the beach afterwards, and had a nice afternoon. I had a snack of fresh mango sprinkled with chili pepper! Not a combination that I'd think of, but really, not too bad!

Well that is about all going on here. It looks like I'll be in Mombasa around 3 weeks, so I'll continue to keep you all posted!

Greg

Real Quick

2007-04-01T03:15:00.000-07:00

Just 2 things....

1. Church today was awesome. We spent a good amount of time praying for the nations, and it was really inspiring to see how many different countries were represented just in our service! This morning, people were in attendance from 11 countries! Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, England, America, Australia, Canada, and Germany!

2. More and more often, I'm getting told by both Americans and Kenyans, "Wow, your accent has changed!" I'm not really sure how, just saying this so people don't give me a hard time when I get home! haha.

Happy Palm Sunday,

Greg

More Pictures!

2007-03-29T04:41:00.000-07:00

Strange creatures! I call them "skunkeys" but I think their official title is Calymbo Monkey.

Mweni, Pellagia, Martin, and myself at Crater Lake.

Pellagia making her way down a hot spring!

Climbing Fisherman's Tower!

The break of dawn.

The Great Rift Valley.

GRV.

Monkey city.

Two monkeys enjoying their day.

Giraffe in our way!

These are big birds!

The Kenya Country Strategy Meeting - Kenya School of Monetary Studies

Me and my friend Hope. She lives in Gulu, Uganda (where "Invisible Children" was filmed). She runs a counseling center/hosptial that currently serves 200 former child soldiers. She was such an inspiration to meet, and has done all this work without any international aid! If anyone is interested in supporting her, or knows of connections for her, please let me know!

Pictures!

2007-03-29T02:16:00.000-07:00

Dancing African style at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies celebration dinner!

This is Kyle Stob. He is a PWW intern in Zambia who was in for the conference.

A few technical difficulties with the photographer. Pellagia, Tyler, Aaron, and myself at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi.

John VanderPloeg and John Matheri having a discussion at the International Business Conference.

Kenya School of Monetary Studies.

A workshop lead by Happy Mulwe, from Zambia.

The children at Heritage of Faith home really enjoying their new hats!

Showin' off their stuff!

Distributing the gifts from the team from Michigan!

Pellagia and I at Thika Falls.

Conference, Business Visits, and Rainy Season!

2007-03-29T02:13:00.000-07:00

Wow, quite a bit has happened in the past few weeks! I have a great deal to update you all on, so get ready!

Here's how we'll break it down: Business Visits, Nairobi Conference, Nairobi National Park, Naivasha, Rainy Season, New and Improved Survival Techniques

Business Visits:
Last week, a group of around 15 North Americans came in for our International Business Conference. Among these visitors were PWW-US Staff, PWW Volunteers, PWW North American Affiliates, and those looking for more information on Partners Worldwide. Martin hosted a portion of the visitors in Mombasa with Fullscale, while I hosted the other visitors on trips to Kenya Investment Trust and CHESS.

In 2 days, we visited 6 businesses, and had meetings with the Board on ways forward in the respective partnerships. I also lead the visitors and management through the Loan Performer Software, and gave them newly generated reports.

My favorite business visit was to Rosephine Munyi's operations in downtown Nairobi. She started her business in detergents, and has moved to making a successful beauty product line. She took initiative in this venture by mailing a large company, and asked for their chemical formulas, which they agreed to give her at a reasonable cost!

Other notable visits were to Jane Mwangi's timber yard. I learned from her that old machinery is usually better than new. She has two timber cutters; one still working from the 1930's, and one currently broken that was purchased in 2000. Also, Simon Mathenge is a businessman/interventor from Thika, Kenya. Currently, he produces rubber hose. The machine he currently uses he made from scratch, and his own ingenuity! The process took 5 years! Also, he unfortunately lost a great deal in purchasing the wrong raw material from overseas. To cut costs, he moved to a factory half the size, cut his work force, and started using scrap material as raw material! Most would have given up, and allowed the shop to close down. But Simon perservered, that is what I call business resilience!

I very much enjoyed sharing with our North American visitors. Eric de Nijs, a Coaching Expert, and part-time Georgetown University professor, is looking to write a book, partially based on the Partners Worldwide Model. We spent quite a bit of time together, and very much enjoyed our conversations. Also, I spent a good deal of time with Kathie and Andy Hoekstra. They currently operate a shipping material company in Michigan.

Nairobi Conference:
The International Business Conference on "Successful Wealth and Job Creation" was quite a success! We had a great number of attendees (around 150) from America, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, and Uganda. Our speakers did a great job of sharing their personal experience, providing insight, and teaching business principles. One of my favorite sessions was when Pastor Oscar Muiru highlighted the differences between how those in the Western World and those in the Two Thirds World define partnerships.

The conference had a time where we broke into workshops that allowed business people to hear what most applied to their situation; be it investments, marketing, or community development.

I think all would agree that one of the most important components of the conference was the networking among the attendees. Personally, I very much learning from the experiences of lending groups in Zambia. Also, Malawi learned a great deal on governance issues by understanding our challenges here in Kenya. I also very much enjoyed being able to connect businesspeople in Kenya to those in North America. An example is Jane, the woman in timber aforementioned, who I connected with an American knowledgeable of a timber saw company that gives discounts to Christians.

One interesting debate was on the topic of “specialization” or “focus on what you do best.” One speaker gave this conventional advice to the entrepreneurs, and it was met with some hesitation, myself included. Economics tells us that if everyone does what they do best, and then people trade products/services, then the economy will be strengthened. The rubber met the road when one woman raised her hand and mentioned, “I have a school where I teach children. Are you saying that I shouldn’t be selling potatoes after school is out of session to make a little more income?” Although economics tells us yes, I personally believe that unless one’s efforts (emotional, financial, structural) are exhausted in their core business, it is perfectly fine to pursue other ventures.

Nairobi National Park:
Two times in the past week and a half, I’ve had the opportunity to travel with visitors to Nairobi National Park, and I was quite surprised! Since this park is so close to the city (just a few miles), I thought that there would be no wildlife, and basically, just a few trees and open space – boy was I wrong! This park was great with a good number of zebras, giraffe, baboons, ostriches, buffalos, monkeys, warthogs, and more! The park even has 35 lions (didn’t see any), cheetahs (nope), and 60 rhinos (I saw 2!). I’ve noticed a trend with Wildlife Directors at the park – the words “You just missed a ______!”. (be it cheetah, lion, hippo, rhino, etc…). Regardless, we had a great time and the pictures to show it!

Rainy Season:
Yes, we are officially in the rainy season! I’ll tell ya, in these past 7 months, I really wouldn’t be able to say, “this is the rainy season” or “this is the dry season.” Rain seems to come and go just about as it does in the US. BUT – last week, I woke up one morning to a temp of about 10 degrees under normal (55), and the sky was thick with grey clouds. Then I was told, “this is how its going to be for the next 3 months.” BUT – I will say that not all day/every day is this the case, the sun still makes some appearances.

New and Improved Survival Techniques:
So, I felt compelled to share some new information I was given on survival techniques. (I realize I may be the only one fascinated with this, but I’ll continue anyways…). BEFORE – I was told if you see a lion, don’t look it in its eyes, and it won’t look at you as a predator, and therefore, won’t attack you. Now, this was from a van driver in the city. BUT – my new information is from a Masai that has lived his whole life in the wild, and often runs into cheetahs, leopards, and lions – so we’ll go with this as newly found truth. Joseph (the Masai) says, “give the animal the respect it deserves.” He says acknowledge its presence, look it in the eyes, but don’t come off as a threat. Masai always walk with a walking stick, and he says when he sees it, he just rests the stick on his shoulders, looks intently at the cat, and he said the animal will usually choose a side of the path to walk on, and he continues on the other. When I asked him what animal he’s most afraid to run into, I was surprised to hear him say, “buffalo or elephant.” Lions mostly sleep, leopards are scared of people, and cheetahs (if you remember from a previous blog) are manageable. AND – don’t worry, although I’m coming off as somewhat of an expert on “cat relations”, I’ll let the Masai keep their job, and I’ll continue to view the wild from the confines of a steel cage (van).

That’s all for now, pictures coming soon! Congratulations to Erin and Josh on their new baby, Aubreanne, wish I could be there to see her!

Chef Greg!

2007-03-09T04:38:00.000-08:00

So, I started cooking Thai food in Kenya :) (ok, maybe saying "thai food" is an exagerration; I made noodles, and mixed cashews, BUT I did it 2 nights in a row!)

Relax

2007-03-09T04:05:00.000-08:00

So it seems that the Lord has been teaching a lesson lately, Relax. Yesterday, our Bible study discussed God's goodness, and what a virtue and blessing it is to just rest in that assurance. Often, this is a struggle for me, because I think it is something I need to earn.

Again, today, I was on a matatu (mini-bus), and a bit stressed running from one office to the other. I wasn't sure if the fare was 10 shillings or 20 shillilngs, because it changes with the time of day. I do what I normally do, give the minimum, and have the rest in the other hand if they request it. After I gave him my 10, he said "10", and so I gave him my other 10, no big deal. He handed it back to me, and smiled. He said, "Relax." Really, it threw me off guard since most times in the city the LAST thing on my mind is "relaxing" :) At that moment, when the conductor told me to relax, I gave an uncomfortable smile, and returned my head to looking forward. Staring me in the face was a bumper sticker on the roof of the inside of the van that said, "Relax. God is in control." And at that time, I finally allowed the notion to sink in. Relaxation from the commotion of the city, and deeper, relaxation that my future is secure in the hands of my Lord.

E-Mail Update

2007-03-09T03:53:00.000-08:00

It has been quite a few months since the last e-mail update, so let's start with a refresher!
I'm working with Partners Worldwide in Kenya for around one year. I work with three savings and lending groups in three different cities where my primary role is to update their reporting software, and meet with their business members. More information can be found at KenyaGreg.Blogspot.com.
Now that we know why I'm here, let's take a look at my past few months !

DECEMBER- JANUARY Christmas, New Years, and Colts Won!!!
Home. I traveled home for the Christmas holidays, and had a great time sharing with friends and family. I visited Taylor University, attended a close friend's wedding, and also teamed up with the PWW-US staff and some of our North American Affiliate Partners.
Kenya. I was welcomed back to Kenya with a staff day at a nearby recreation center. I returned to my work in Mombasa where I met with several more business people and cell groups, but maintained the focus on our Loan Performer Software.

FEBRUARY Loan Software, Conference Planning, and Marketing, Oh My!
Most of February, I was in Nairobi and Kiambu working with Kenya Investment Trust and CHESS. While our focus continued to be the Loan Software, I assisted CHESS in creating a new marketing brochure (which I'm pictured in!). Also, a good portion of this time was spent planning for the conference.
Another intern and I were able to travel to Masai Mara for a weekend. This was an amazing experience seeing elephants, cheetahs, lions, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, and more! A highlight was a baboon jumping on the side of our van and eating stealing the potato chips I was eating J (Check out these pics on my blog!)

MARCH Wow, just one week into the month, and quite a bit has happened.
Martin and I have been busy with drafting our Strategic Plan for Partners Worldwide – Kenya, with the assistance of a national consultant. We've been putting in some long hours, but when this document is complete, it will definitely pay off!
We are also anxiously anticipating the International Business Conference, that will take place March 24-25. We expect around 250 attendees from several African countries and the U.S.! I'm also putting the finishing touches on the Loan Performer Software for CHESS and KIT.
What's Next!
My initial plans were to travel back to the US on May 15. After deliberating with PWW Staff, it seems that I can be utilized in Kenya until July 1.
Please pray for the upcoming International Business Conference! Also, now that my time has been slightly extended, more financial support would be sincerely appreciated.
Again, this is the bare bones of my time here, for exciting PICTURES, STORIES, and MORE, please visit KenyaGreg.blogspot.com.
Many blessings, and I miss you guys!

Greg

Greetings

2007-02-25T06:07:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to give everyone an update on my week and weekend.

It is definitely the "busy season" for Partners Worldwide - Kenya. I'm balancing conference calls in Westlands (suburb of Nairobi), implementing software at Kenya Investment Trust, and fixing a few challenges we faced with the software at CHESS in Kiambu.

We are continuing to progress well, though, and are in anticipation for the national business conference Partners Worldwide is hosting at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies in Nairobi. Martin and I have also been busy meeting with companies that may be interested in partnering and supporting our conference.

Also, I wanted to inform everyone that it looks like May 15 may not be my departure date. Be it a bit sooner or later, once everything is finalized, I will fill everyone in on the decision.

Lastly, I'm excited to be playing in an international tennis tournament! I was supposed to play today, but it looks like I'm playing Tuesday evening. I went to Nairobi Club to practice today, and I enjoyed the looks and people asking me, "you mean you flew all the way from the US to play in this tournament?" While it may be fun to lead them on and say yes, I'm afraid by the time I've played a few games, they'd either think I was lying or they would be very concerned of my sense of self-awareness. But, needless to say, I warmed up well (even though the courts are clay), and even drew a crowd to watch me practice! While I won't be taking home the gold, I'll have Martin snap a few shots so I can officially put "international tennis player" on my resume, ha.

Summary of Time in Nairobi

2007-02-19T02:43:00.000-08:00

Well, despite what you may think if you have visited my blog, I have not been on a safari the past 3 weeks! In fact, it was just a 2 day weekend trip, but its taken a while to get the pictures up :)

So, past those 2 days, let me fill you in on what else I've been doing...

For the past few weeks, I have been in Nairobi. Last week, I attended a convergence conference discussing all issues related to HIV/AIDS. The day was full of powerful speakers and inspiring workshops. Also, I connected with a volunteer working with microlending groups in Niger. We spoke for a few hours, and shared practices. The organization he works with boasts a 98% repayment rate, and I tried to identify how they could speak of numbers so high. One issue is that they have members repay loans weekly, instead of monthly. This regular routine of smaller repayments is more manageable in the minds of many. Also, their system for the amount of savings required for a loan varies from those in Kenya.

In Nairobi, I have been spending most of my time with Kenya Investment Trust. Currently, I have the software approx. 50% complete. There are a few pending issues limiting my continued progress, but I hope them to be cleared up soon.

I won't make people jealous and talk of the weather, so I'll just say its been nice :) Ok, thats all for now, many blessings,

Greg

More Safari Pics!

2007-02-18T23:51:00.000-08:00

Picture 1: A Herd of Safari Vans.
Picture 2: A babboon. After I took this pic, he jumped on the side of our van, and to get him away, I threw him my potato chips!
Picture 3: Landscape of Masai Mara
Picture 4: A hyena taking a stroll
Picture 5: Sun rising on our Sunday safari!
Picture 6: A group of elephants. A baby getting milk from his mother.
Picture 7: Elephant closeup.
Picture 8: A group of Thompson Gazelles.
Picutre 9: How I experienced the park!
Picture 10: A group of monkeys outside the lodge.

Safari Pictures 2!

2007-02-12T04:16:00.000-08:00

Picture 1: 2 sleeping lions and me in the van!
Picture 2: Me and a giraffe :)
Picture 3: Several more of the "lone trees" in Masai Mara
Picture 4: A lion with her cubs
Picture 5-7: Lions - walking, resting, sleeping :)
Picture 8: The road in Masai Mara

Pictures!

2007-02-12T02:39:00.000-08:00

Picture 1: A great shot of a cheetah! He (or she) is with two other cheetahs. They just finished dining on an impala!
Picture 2: All 3 cheetahs together
Picture 3: A group of Topi together in a field. I think it is the Swahili name, but not certain. If someone knows, feel free to share!
Picture 4: 3 Buffalos. Notice the homes in the background. Many Masai live on the same fields as the animals.
Picture 5: Ostriches near the horizon
Picture 6: Hippos enjoying their afternoon, getting some relief from the hot sun!
Picture 7: A lion walking past a lion of safari vans. Lions are used to all of the vans around. Basically, the lions are the "celebrities" of the park, and the safari vans are the paparazzi! They are not hostile to the vans, and only stop if they would like to take a nap under the shade of a van :)
Picture 8: Profile of the lion as it walked past our van.
Picture 9: A King Bird, notice the Crown of feathers on its head.
Picture 10: A female lion taking an afternoon nap in a tree.
Picture 11: The simple beauty of Masai Mara
Picture 12: Joel and I at the Great Rift Valley

Masai Mara

2007-02-11T22:48:00.000-08:00

Joel and I just returned from a Safari Weekend to Masai Mara! I have so many great stories and pictures to share, if only my computer could upload them faster! In the next few days, I'll be updating around 10 pictures per day, so you can share my experience with me!

This week I'll be in Nairobi working with Kenya Investment Trust. I will be with them for two weeks implementing the Loan Performer Software. During this time, I'll also be preparing for the upcoming conference in March.

GO COLTS!!!

2007-02-05T06:44:00.000-08:00

Wow, Hoosiers we did it! I hope to watch the game tonight. Its on at 6 pm, so I already know the outcome, but I'd love to see how it went down!

My time in Kiambu finished strong. Samuel, the accountant of CHESS, and I worked hard all week and finished reports by our deadline. Right after I finished at CHESS, I rushed off to the train station to head to Mombasa!

What was supposed to be a 12 hour train ride turned into a 20 hour affair! The 8 additional hours came from the train being late by an hour and half, and over 5 hours of "train issues." It would go slow, stop, go slow, stop. Eventually, it stopped and the crew said, "you may want to find your own way from here." About 50 people got off and got taxis. I waited. Then I made taxi arrangements. Waiting for my taxi, a conductor yelled, "Hop on! Its working again!" So I called the driver, hopped on, and finally made it!

I am just in Mombasa a short time. I'll be here until Wednesday evening working with Steve on the Loan Performer Software. My friend Joel, an intern in Malawi, flew into Kenya, and we've been hanging out and sharing stories of our experience. Thursday, I have an all day meeting in Nairobi, and Friday - Sunday, Joel and I are going to Masai Mara! I'm very excited about our safari!

That is all for now, hope all is well in the lives of all that read this. Thanks for those who have given me updates, I very much appreciate it!

Blessings,

Greg

Go Time!

2007-01-31T07:05:00.000-08:00

Greetings to All,

I've been quite busy this past week working with the CHESS group, finalizing the loan performer software. Samuel, the accountant and I, have spent long days keying information in hopes to have our reports complete by Friday. This is to ensure that the North American Affiliates receive the reports in a timely manner.

I travel back to Mombasa this Friday, and will attend a second meeting in Kilifi on Saturday. My time in Mombasa will be relatively short, but I hope to finish up most of our work on the Loan Performer Software in the following week. The week will also be spent travelling, as I have a meeting in Nairobi on the 8th, and then on the 9th, I am going to Masai Mara with a Malawi intern. We're very much looking forward to this 3 day weekend!

This is probably the most busy I have been since my time in Kenya, and possibly the busiest I will be! As seen by my title, its "Go Time," with my loan performer software. Generating the reports so everyone in the US can see what I've actually been doing during my time down here!

Thought for the Day: Youth Development Fund.
Tomorrow is the beginning of the "Youth Development Fund" under the Government of Kenya. The President is allocating 1 Billion Shillings ($14M) to youth, ages 18-35 for entrepreneurial development. These are loans that will be given out, and let me tell you, its been the talk of Kenya! SO many youth are applying, and its exciting to see the entrepreneurial spirit of Kenya! After the money is giving through the micro-financing institutions, they will follow up with training sessions on business. This is a really exciting time for Kenya!

More Pictures :)

2007-01-24T07:13:00.000-08:00

Pictures.

The coolest skyscraper (one of few) in Mombasa

A Wide Shot of the Mombasa City

Me at Fort Jesus in Mombasa

A windy day at the beach!

Pictures!

2007-01-24T06:55:00.000-08:00

More than a Day at the Beach

2007-01-22T00:36:00.000-08:00

So, I’ve gone to the Nyali Beach nearly every Sunday that I’ve been in Mombasa, but yesterday stood out. Let me share why...

Like most Sundays, Albert (the 10 yr old son in the family I stay with) and I went together to play soccer. We found a crew of kids a few years older than Albert, which would make it challenging for him, but not defeating. The guys were Michael, Jackson, and Stephen (I think). I knew Michael and I would get along when he ran up to me and started rapping in Swahili, he wasn’t bad for 13! I couldn’t resist to throw a few lyrics back his way J We played for a good hour, and then I cut my toe open :( I just stopped my foot abruptly and a bit awkwardly, and the skin on my toe split open, yep, gross. That made us call it quits, so I welcomed the boys to have lunch with me and Albert, as I disinfected and bandaged my wound.

At lunch, I very much enjoyed asking these guys about their families, lifestyles, and school. I quizzed them on naming American Presidents, African countries, Kenyan Presidents, and I was impressed by their knowledge! Two were in school, but Jackson at had to quit at thirteen when both of his parents passed away. He moved in with a jobless unmarried relative that already had four small children of her own. Also, all of the boys walked nearly 4 miles to the beach that day. Their stories prepared my heart for another conversation I was about to have with a man named Matano.

Before that, though, I had met a friend, Sarah, on the beach Saturday from Alaska. We met as I was just sitting reading a book after work, and she came up and said, “So you traveling alone too?” She is working in an orphanage in a town called Nakuru at for 3 weeks, and was spending a holiday weekend in Mombasa. We enjoyed good conversation Saturday evening about life in Alaska, and perceptions of Kenya. She is Athabaskin (spelling?), which is a native people group in Alaska. Only 10,000 remain out of the state’s population of 650,000. She was quite open so I enjoyed asking her about how Alaska feels about the continental US, or as they call the “Lower 48”. She said they often feel marginalized, and bit forgotten about. As she put it, there are more than Eskimos in Alaska :) When I told the Yego family about my meeting her, they invited her to dinner, and we all had a nice time last night.

While Sarah and I were talking, two Kenyan guys about my age, Patrick and Matano, came up and joined our conversation. They asked what we did, and after hearing that Sarah worked in an orphanage, the conversation really gained some heat. Matano quickly said he knew orphans that needed homes, and asked if she could help. Sarah proceeded to say she would try and see if they have sister orphanages in Mombasa, but that her specific orphanage is already low on funding. I really sympathized with Matano as he said, “You know, when you’ve lived here for 2 or 3 years, you just kinda start going crazy. You want to see change so bad. There is such a great need, but so little happens.” I could tell he was a bit critical of short-term volunteers, and also of the lack of government intervention. He asked us to come over to dinner and talk about things, and was frustrated in our unwillingness to openly trust him. While he said this general lack of trust was paramount to the problems in Kenya, I told him that trust was built on relationships, not just sharing of ideas (on a beach). He agreed, and we shared for maybe 20 more minutes on strategies to “effect change.” We both agreed that private business development is crucial to changing a country, but ultimately it must be backed by politicians. Matano was well-read on books on business and leadership, and we agreed to do some book-swapping. He agreed to sit and talk with me in the near future on how I can offer viable business solutions to the poor rural communities.

People aren’t so different. Sarah, Matano, and I perfectly understood each other despite the geographical distance among Alaska, Indiana, and Kenya. The next generations of leaders in this world are sick of corruption, sick of greed, sick of empty ideas, and are dying for change. The potential is there for global visionaries and idealists to actually effect change, just ask Barack Obama - son of a Kenyan farmer. Look at people like Bill Gates, and Warren Buffet - who bought into Bill and Malinda’s vision in an amount of $30B. Think of Bill Clinton - mentored by Nelson Mandela, decided to commit his post-Presidency to relieving poverty. Turn to Bono - less than 10 years ago, justice issues in Africa sounded like, “How do we expect those countries to prosper when they have so much debt to pay-off to Western countries!” Due to groups like Jubilee, and Bono’s colossal influence, much of this has been erased.

Bono said on his special in Africa with Brian Williams (Free in Istore!), that the one thing we know about God is that He is always with the poor. God lives in the slums with those with AIDS and without bread and water. I think it’s the responsibility of those willing to find out what that means. Embrace the hurt of this world with love. This doesn’t take moving to Africa, and honestly, I don’t know what it exactly encompasses. But, I know the solution is in following the perfect example of Jesus’ life, and the awe-inspiring work of literally countless others – most of which will never have their names published, or will receive any worldly recognition.

A Day in Chamgamwe

2007-01-20T03:58:00.000-08:00

Greetings to all,

Steve Kegode and I had a good week in the office. Since I am just getting back into things, I did not make too many business visits, but spent most of the time in the office, and acquiring new technology.

Technology.
Mombasa now has a wireless landline that connects through CDMA technology. This also enables a pretty good high speed internet. It is new this week, and Fullscale Business Trust is one of the first businesses in Mombasa to acquire it. It was a need for our organization because our landline service has been disturbed for the past 3 months because of repairs.

Employment.
Fullscale is also in the process of hiring a new staff member, a Credit Officer. The advertisement was in the national paper for just one day (yesterday), and Steve has received over 25 calls of interest!

Member Group Meeting.
Earlier this week, FBT had the year's first Member's Meeting. This meeting was filled with hope for what 2007 was to bring. Asena Adira, the FBT chairman, spoke of struggles in the past, but a new hope for the future. This new hope was to be reached through a higher level of member accountability, by putting them in small groups (cell groups) to share business struggles and triumphs.

Cell Group Meeting.
Today, I was in Chamgamwe a "suburb" of Mombasa meeting with 10 members of the "Faith Cell Group." This group is an example for the other 18 FBT cell groups to follow! Not only were 8 of the 10 members at the member meeting, but they have an established an "Account B" to assist members with repayments. An Account B is a side account where small group members place a small amount of savings that is reserved for assisting any member that falls back on his payments. This benefits the organization as a whole, and also provides another incentive for repaying your loans (not wanting to have to take money of your friends and co-workers). We met for a good 3 hours this morning/afternoon, and the meeting was definitely a success! Asena also attended and continued shining hope on FBT's future, and members shared in excitement!

Thought for the Day: Currency.
Today, after eating, I received a 200 kenyan shilling note that i'd never seen before! I asked steve if it was a legitimate bill, and he said yes, but hard to find. It had the face of Kenya's last President, but the bill has stopped circulation. Historically, after a President is beaten, the new President changes the bill to be of his face, instead of the former. The current President stopped this trend, though, and only put his face on certain coins. He re-instated the 200 shilling note with the first President's face, instead of the President he overcame.

A Week in Review

2007-01-16T02:49:00.000-08:00

Last Week.

Thursday was our monthly Apex Meeting in Nairobi. It comprised of Staff and Board Members of the 3 lending groups PWW works with in Kenya. The meeting continued our preparation for the International Business Conference in Nairobi. I was excited to see the number of speakers that have confirmed! Overall, the conference planning is going very well, and we just pray that we will reach our target of 250 attendees.

Friday, I was in Kiambu with the CHESS organization. Although I was scheduled to travel to Mombasa this day, the Director of CHESS voiced her desire to have me check up on their operations. After changing my bus ticket, I reminisced as I took the walk to my bus station that I have not done for several months. It was an interesting time of reflection to see what has changed since I’ve been gone, and what has stayed the same. At CHESS, I continued my work on the Loan Performer Software in hopes that reports can be finalized by the end of the month. This will still require me being at CHESS for a few days from the 26-30th of January.

Saturday, I traveled by bus to Mombasa. The seat I was given was right next to the only other westerner on the bus. As we got to talking, I really found his work in Kenya quite interesting! Jonathon is Canadian, and is working on his Certificate in International Development. Part of his program is taking 6 months and studying a people group in a developing country. He is living with a people group buried deep within the forests of Kenyan countryside. In fact, to enter the community, he takes a 20 mile trek on a motorbike. His main reason for living with them is to learn from the naturopathic medicinal methods they use. I also shared my work with him, and our conversations made me think much less about the bumpy 8 hour journey!

This Week.

It was a great transition from Nairobi to Mombasa and I very much enjoyed reconnecting with the family that I stay with. They enjoyed their holidays, and had many family members over. To celebrate the holidays, the bought 5 goats, which roamed their front yard until the evening…. One by one, they were turned into nyama choma (barbecue) to celebrate Christmas and New Years. The Yego family was also very inquisitive to how my family was doing. The first question the father asked me is if my father finished his construction work on the football stadium.

I am currently back in the Fullscale Office, and excited about the time I have left with this group. Steve, the Director of FBT, and myself have spoke about the different projects that we would like to have started or completed before I leave. Also, tomorrow is the monthly meeting with the Fullscale members. This meeting is also a great time to see how we can better serve the businesses in Mombasa.

Pictures!

2007-01-09T04:25:00.000-08:00

Picture 1: Playing Volleyball in Lukenya with Martin and Francis' daugther
Picture 2: The staff and family of the Nairobi office at the retreat
Picture 3: The woman of Kitui village sharing with us about their business of selling baskets

Home and Back Again...

2007-01-09T03:29:00.000-08:00

Greetings to All,

As you may have noticed, its been quite a well since the last blog post. Since I am now back in Kenya, I'll continue posting weekly (at least).

Wow, well so much to cover, here's a brief look at how I spent my time in the US:

Home.
It was so great to be at home with the family. Laura and Simon (my sister and her husband) flew in, and we had a great holiday time together. Lucas grew to nearly my height in the 5 months I had been gone. We had a great time throwing frisbee, and playing his new Nintendo Wii. Sarah celebrated her birthday on the day I left, and is now back at college. We had fun playing "Deal or No Deal" the game. I also gave Sarah a quick technology lesson on megapixels just in time for her new digital camera! My father took Lucas and I to the nearly completed Lucas Oil Stadium that he's been working on. We also went to a Pacer's Game! My mother enjoyed hearing all of my tales of Kenya, and very much liked the Nativity Scene and Leso (traditional African dress, printed was "A Mother is a Blessing to her Children)," that I gave her. We went to see the "Nativity Story" on Christmas Day as well.

Friends.
It was so great to see so many people that mean so much to me! At Taylor, I got to hang out with all my "Foundation Boys," and it almost felt like I had never left! In Greenwood, a group of my close friends and I went to a Pacer's Game. Also, we danced, ate, celebrated, and shared life stories at Laura Bowman's wedding (one of my closest friends)! During my visits to Taylor and Grand Rapids, I was also able to visit with Kelsey and see most of her family.

Taylor.
I know Taylor University will always mean a great deal to me. During my time at Taylor, I got to visit and share stories with my very close friends. I also had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Hadley Mitchell, my Economics Professor. Also, I spoke to a small group of business students about my time in Kenya. These students are all passionate about international development (and most in micro-lending), which made my experience especially interesting to them.

Michigan.
I very much enjoyed getting together with the Home Office staff for Partners Worldwide. It was great to see Roxanne, Lou, and Doug! I spoke personally and professionally of my time in Kenya, and was caught up on what has been going on in the office! Also in Michigan, I was able to meet with two Partners in our organization. John and Mike Vanderpleug are partners with CHESS and Fullscale Business Trust respectively. I shared my "on the ground observations" on these groups, and we had a fruitful time sharing!

And now, back in Kenya!!!

Kenya.
- My trip back to Kenya went without a glitch. All flights were on time, and surprisingly, so was my luggage! It was great seeing Martin, and the whole Nairobi office again!
- Two days after my return, our entire staff (and family) got together for a day of food, "football", and fun! The retreat was at Lukenya, and with the weather, we could not have picked a better day!
- Yesterday, I traveled to Kitui with some of the Nairobi staff, and also a group of 20 High School Students from Cincinatti. Our reason for travelling was to interact with a community that had been given funding for a well, a windmill, a church, and several kiosks to distribute the water. Also during my stay, I was able to hear the struggles of women entrepreneurs. These women were desperate to find some way to generate income, but were hesitant to create products without a market. The are skilled in crafting necklaces and handbags. We discussed some possibilities in developing a lending group for the Kitui community.

And that brings me up to speed! I'll be sending an email to everyone shortly. I hope everyone had a great holiday season, and a wonderful New Years!

Family Pic

2006-12-19T09:52:00.000-08:00

1 Week Reflections...

2006-12-19T08:31:00.000-08:00

After spending a significant amount of time outside my home country, I return believing that nothing will ever be the same. How can I look at relationships, lifestyles, and culture the same way I did five months ago? After witnessing the poverty, sharing in close friendships, feeling the cultural embrace, and enjoying the relaxed coastal lifestyle, how can I come back to America!

Shockingly, a great deal of these grandiose thoughts on "how I would be different" gradually dissolved in layovers in the London Heathrow and Chicago O'Hare airport. By the time I had made it home to Indianapolis (after a 32 hour day after time zones are considered!), I didn't see much tangible difference in myself, except a shade darker complexion, the shift from a 33 to 31 waist. When I saw my family, I didn't break into tears, nor did they, but rather, we picked up where we left off.

After a few nights of going to bed at 6:30 pm and waking up at 3:30 am, I finally got used to the time change. Last Tuesday, I traveleld up to Taylor University to meet with friends, professors, and business students (who are still friends...). I spoke with a small group of students of the opportunities I have seen for American business students serving in third world countries. Futher, I shared with them opportunities with Partners Worldwide. I shared with my professor, Dr. Hadley Mitchell, of my experiences, and he challenged me to continue to learn through my experiences. I met with friends and we shared laughs, joys, and struggles of their past five months and mine. And the looming question in my mind hung over every meeting, "have I changed?".

Instead of allowing this notion to lay dormant, I started journaling and reflecting. I thought the first fair question was, "In what aspects of life would change even be evitable?" Also, "How would I expect an opportunity like this to change me?" It was with grounding that I noticed I had changed, just not how I expected. Most relationships remained the same, my personality intact, but now I notice cultural nuances that have always been unobserved! Let me give a few examples....

1. I gave my brother a 10 minute lecture when he left the refrigerator door open for over 10 seconds.
2. I started questioning why we eat certain foods at certain times of the day, and not others. Why sausage and biscuits is morning, and hamburger and bun is lunch/dinner?
3. I realized that I never stop eating. Snacking is a part of our lifestyle.
4. I asked family members why we say "Check, please." When we really want the bill...
5. I've noticed homeless people, and thought how emotionally trying it would be to be homeless when so many are so wealthy!

These are just a few ways I have concluded that yes, Kenya has had a profound impact on my thinking.

An Additional Thought:

1. Please visit LightToUnite.org.

Bristol-Meyers is donating a dollar to AIDS every time someone goes to their website and moves the match to the candle and lights it. Please do it, and forward this to your friends to spread the word. It only takes a second to raise a dollar!

Home Sweet Home!

2006-12-11T01:48:00.000-08:00

All,

I arrived safely home yesterday evening! I will be spending the holidays at home, and have been very much looking forward to this time! Also, I will take this opportunity to write some "back-log" stories of meetings that I attended, and businesses I have visited.

I will be speaking to a group of business students Tuesday evening, meeting with a professor on Wednesday, and meeting with the Grand Rapids office on Thursday!

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support,

Greg

2006-12-05T03:25:00.000-08:00

Greetings, it's been a bit longer than I like between blogs, so let me fill you in on Kenya, and my life...

Kenya:

The Union of College Professors have called off their strike. School is now back in session for all Kenyan Universities, but will close in 2 weeks for Holiday!
Tens of thousands are left homeless because of massive floods sweeping through the western and coastal regions of Kenya. The international Red Cross has brought assistance, but nearly 50,000 are said to be homeless.

Greg:

Fullscale Business Trust continues to keep me busy in Mombasa. I have continued meeting with members, small groups, and learning joys and struggles in business.
Ken Inyanje was one of the businessmen I spoke with last week. He owns rental homes, and also a matatu (public transport van). In the past month, both of his businesses are now subject to new government regulation! Last month, I spoke of the "matatu crackdown" in Nairobi. This was a time when the police force were being extra vigilant that these vehicles followed all safety specifications. The crackdown is now in Mombasa, and has made the matatu industry a high risk business venture. Often matatu drivers are thrown in jail and their vehicles are impounded. Many are imprisoned for driving or carrying passengers without seatbelts! Just today, the Kenya Revenue Authority reported that it will now start taxing rental property. Before, this land was not taxed, but the government realized the income it could amass, and acted accordingly!
I travel home in just a few days! I am very excited to seeing everyone over the Holidays, and will return to Kenya January 4th!

Elias - A Self-Made Entrepreneur

2006-11-23T22:29:00.000-08:00

Elias – A Self-made Entrepreneur

This past week, I met with Elias Odhiambo Omondi , a Metal Fabricator in Likoni. Likoni is a “suburb” of Mombasa. Half of Likoni is located on Mombasa’s main island, while the other half is only accessible by ferry on the “South Coast.” This ferry is highly trafficked, and makes transporting goods to south coast quite a toilsome effort. The average amount of time it takes to cross on the ferry is a half hour.

Elias’ family was not able to provide the necessary school fees for his education past Grade 6. At this young age, Elias decided that he would take the financial matters into his own hands. He started working on a sugar cane plantation to save money to continue with his education.

Through saving adequate funds, Elias enrolled in a technical school in their rural homeland. After three years of technical training, Elias opened his metal fabrication workshop. The shop drills and welds steel doors, machines, desks, chairs, etc… Currently, Elias has three staff, and is looking to expand. He is currently paying around 4,000 Ksh a month for rent ($60). Elias charges 1/3 of the cost of materials for his services. In relationship to the US market, this is quite low considering most auto shops charge three times the material!

Along with this business, Elias has recently constructed a few homes near the ferry which he is renting out. This is a supplemental income, and will bring in near 11,000 Kenyan Shillings ($160) a month.

Elias cites one of his major challenges to be the capital to purchase necessary equipment. If this capital is gained and equipment is purchased, Elias can better meet the needs of his customers. He told me that he has a substantial market, and when inquiring into his marketing strategy, Elias told me, “Good products market themselves.” Good Answer!

Elias joined Fullscale Business Trust in 2001. He has received three loans, and is working on plans for his fourth. This next Fullscale Loan will partially be used to buy a new welding machine to meet the need mentioned above.

Thought for the Day: 7th Wonder of the World.
Just this past week, the Wildabeest Migration from Masai Mara to the Serengheti Plains was cited on “Good Morning America” to be one of the 7th New Wonders of the World. For those wondering what the heck a wildebeest migration is, refer to the scene in The Lion King when Simba almost gets trampled, and Scar kills Mufasa J Kenya is very excited about this new recognition, and hopes it to bring a boost to their tourism. Troubles began in Kenya’s tourism market in the mid 1990’s. The two major reasons for their troubles were tribal clashes in Mombasa, and the US Embassy bombing in Nairobi. Most Western tourists are European for the obvious reason of proximity, but also because there is a still a travel advisory over Kenya from the United States. This is very upsetting to Kenyans because this advisory is paralyzing their tourism market, and is an unwarranted, outdated advisory in the minds of many.

Visitors, Crows, Plumbers, and Democracy

2006-11-22T04:39:00.000-08:00

Visitors.
I was told there is a saying about how long a visitor is a visitor in Africa. It was told me to in Swahili, but its something along the lines of, "First time, greet the visitor. Second time, greet the visitor. Third time, ask them to grab a rake."

Crows.
There are a ton of crows in Mombasa! I have been told that they came with the ships traveling to India. I was also informed that in the year 2000, there was a mandate to kill every crow you saw. They took the dead crows and fed them to alligators!

Plumbers.
So yesterday, I walked past a hardware store and saw about 20 men standing outside. I guess what you do is go inside, buy what you need, and then choose your worker right outside the shop! Its a great "service placement" to sell your expertise!

Democracy.
I find it interesting that everytime a Kenyan speaks of how democratic they are, its in context to how much they can publicly ridicule their president without losing their life. They see US as so "democratic" because of all the public ridicule in our leaders.

Ok, how is that for random! Happy Thanksgiving everyone, your letters are coming soon!

It is Well

2006-11-20T05:07:00.000-08:00

Sometimes in a poor, overpopulated country, it is difficult for anything to be thought of as "out of the ordinary." Its very hard to do something, or appear in a manner that brings you out of the group. Today, for the first time in Kenya, I found one who did...

Today I was visiting a businessman in an area called Likoni. To enter this part of the city, one has to take a massive ferry across the ocean that transports thousands of people and dozens of cars on each trip.

As Steve and I were leaving our time in Likoni (which I will write on later), I noticed a woman evangelizing to the "jua kali" (meaning hot sun) workers, and those traveling by ferry. She was speaking in English, and yelling, "You just sit there, and you just walk by like nothing is happening...". And, like most times I hear this evangelizing style, I cringed.

Nearing the ferry, Steve and I entered a large line of hundreds of people canopied by a concrete structure. This highly populated "loading area" for ferry-goers attracts disfigured beggars, in hopes that by-standers will give them a few shillings. On this journey, I saw a man who appears two have to fully grown heads because of a large tumor, and a woman whose body looks extremely swelled, not obese.

Continuing down the line, I saw a man speaking loudly, not yelling, but talking to no one. He was well dressed, and did not appear crazy, and strangely enough, people were being respectful and keen to his words. I asked Steve who he was, and he told me that he is blind, and is preaching. As the standing line in this hot and humid day slowed, I found myself just a few feet from this man. I looked into his eyes, and saw the white film that covers his pupils. Laying next to his side was an accordian. Before I even fully comprehended the situation, my body flooded with emotion, nearing the point of tears. I truly feel this was a man lead by the Holy Spirit, because I've only felt this way a few times in my life, and never before in Kenya.

As the man continued, those people watching and listening stopped as the line kept moving. Although he was speaking in Swahili, I could understand his heart. He was not shouting of desperation, but speaking with a love, a thanksgiving, despite his blindness. He was well dressed, and his words made me feel like he only gave this talk once in his life, and he was talking to me.

Maybe 5 minutes had passed, but I was so in-tune with him, I didn't really know, and wasn't paying attention to the line. The only word I recognized in his sermon was "Bwana" or "Master." He then lifted his accordian, and passionately sung a hymn in Swahili, but the words, "It is well," were sung in English. There was a peace, a conviction, an understanding in his words. A connection that all those in this line to board a ferry felt. We looked at eachother, and we just knew. Remember - this was one of the most trafficked, busy - bustling areas in the entire city, and those listening came to a stand still!

As I boarded the ferry, my heart wanted to cry, not for pity for the man, or a deep conviction, but really, for the Spirit that he brought within me. I noticed another woman with a small child on the ferry, I looked at her (remembering she was standing near me in line), and saw eyes red from tears. I did not go up and speak to her, but conveyed to her the emotion, "yes, I know."

Times like this I know Jesus is real, and know why He is my Lord and Savior. Its not the yelling evangelists or prayer rallies that always bring those to the Lord, but those who are grateful for their lives, and can convey that love in their hearts so beautifully. Praise God for using this man to speak the Holy Spirit into my life and others.

Pictures

2006-11-17T22:44:00.000-08:00

Picture 1: Meeting with David Mugo, an egg farmer in Mombasa.
Picture 2: Steve speaking with a cell group of members of the Fullscale Business Loan Group in Magongo. The man to Steve's left chairs the group, and has very high hopes for the group; starting with changing their monthly meetings to weekly!
Picture 3: Close up of lizard in my room. They're friendly fellows and eat mosquitos!
Picture 4: Cont'd...
Picture 5: When I first saw these things in Mombasa, I just kept thinking of the freaky scene in the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when those images of bugs like these were projected on the wall of their boat ride. anyone?
Picture 6: Kenyan countryside out the window of my bus ride from Nairobi to Mombasa.

Learning from the Small Things...

2006-11-15T23:24:00.000-08:00

This week has primarily consisted of working on the loan tracking software. Also, I visited a cell group (small groups of members who have loans) in Magongo. The groups is very ambitious, and I have high hopes for their success!

Although the progress is going well on the software, I cannot say this has been the best week in Kenya. I have had to deal with a few technological frustrations of both my computer and flash drive not functioning. This resulted in a loss in some data that I have been working on. This also coincided with several power outages we have had in the past few days! I have found it therapeutic to focus on small things that go right when the big things go wrong. So, in the past few days, I have tried to keenly observed the simplicities of life. I have also attempted to be very “in tune” with my emotions and what affects them. After a day of frustrating circumstances, I found that giving a banana to a street kid, catching a bus on time, and a cashier smiling at me when giving change made my day!

Today, I am planning to travel to some businesses in South Coast with a Board Member. I am looking forward to this time, and will inform you all on how it goes!

Thought for the Day: Survival Tip I forgot to mention last month.
I forgot, but I also know how to run away from a crocodile or alligator (not from experience). I have been told to run in large “S” shapes, and if you have the space, just run in big circles. They are fast, but their small feet do not make turning easy. Maybe everyone knows this by now, but I thought I’d inform those that don’t!

Back in Mombasa

2006-11-12T23:19:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

Well, I had safe travels back into Mombasa, and arrived Saturday evening. Almost immediately upon returning, my congestion problem reduced drasticaly. I actually was able to do some treadmill running even that evening!

Saturday I spent in the office with Stephen. This was to make up for my day of travel, and also for the absence of electricty they had on Friday. I am back into the swing of things, and have a pretty rigorous schedule to keep for this next month before travelling home. I will most likely visit less businesses to ensure that the Loan Performer Software is up and running by December.

Yesterday I spent a day on the beach with Albert (the son in the family). While he swam, I played a beach football game. Out of the 20 players, there were 17 Kenyans, 1 from Seychelles, 1 from Manchester England, and me. Although I scored the first goal, I definitely felt out of my league with these guys! This continues to be an area where God teaches me humility in Kenya! All in all, great fun, everyone was great sports, and I'll keep at it!

Floods.
Currently, there are several rural villages under water! In fact, one of which I visited less than 2 weeks ago! (Kilifi). Some national roads have been washed away, and travelers have been left stranded. The floods have been attributed to Global Warming. I do not know if this is just because the "Climate Control" conference is still in Nairobi, but any rate, it is bringing awareness to the issue.
Someone told me that this year could be another, "El Nino" for Africa. I had no idea how disastrous the past "El Nino" was until it was mentioned with a few businessmen I work with. Immediately, one spoke of a family loss. That family member was driving on a bridge when the waters overtook the bridge, and washed him and his car away. I soon realized that this rainy season is far from what they had experienced in the late 90's. In Mombasa, rains are normal, and really bring quite a relief to the hot sun.

Exams.
It seems like the country shuts down for exams. This past week, every 8th grader took their national exam, basically, to decide their academic future. This decides if they will attend college or not, at 8th grade! It is a week long exam, and is taken extremely seriously. So seriously that a teacher was late in paying the exam fees for 5 students, and was arrested and put in handcuffs on national news! It compares to the SAT's in the US, but really, the whole country stops for this test. Needless to say, it puts an extreme presssure on these kids!

2006-11-08T02:43:00.000-08:00

Quite an exciting day for American politics! Wherever you stand, it seems as if today will have huge implications on the last year of Bush's presidency. As I am writing this, the House has already been decided, and the Senate lies in the hands of 2 states!

I may be staying in Nairobi through the weekend, rather than leaving tomorrow. While tomorrow was the original plan, a few matters of business have come up that may lend towards staying here. One of which being an all day training session for CHESS in Kiambu on Saturday.

Since traveling back to Nairobi, I have been very congested. Its much easier for my lungs at 90 degrees F and 0 ft. about sea level, then Nairobi's 55 degrees and rainy, and over 5,000 feet above. For the first few months of being here, I blamed everything on my congestion; the walls, my pillow, my mosquito net, blanket, pollution.... But, I really think I just have a hard time adjusting to the altitude.

Tomorrow is our monthly Apex Meeting. This meeting is to discuss the plan of the international Business Conference in March. My colleauges from Mombasa and Kiambu will be joining.

Clashes.
The clashes of yesterday are reportedly over. Thousands were sent to reside inside a football stadium, and a dusk till dawn curfew was set (and obeyed). Those who saught refuge in the football stadium last night were sent home today. These clashes are mostly tribal, but its confusing to many why they occurred now, because these people groups have been living in close vicinities for decades.
From my perspective, it seems that another terror of poverty is that violence thrives off of violence. People easily lose touch of why violence is occurring, and rather focus on its persistence. It quickly becomes accepted, mobs form amidst confusion, and look to fulfill their vengeful desires. Chris Hedges writes in "War is a Force that Gives Us Meaning," that war is not often widespread hatred, but the hatred of few, and the manipulation and confusion of many. These people in the slums are overwhelmed- national TV cameras (in an area they thought to be forgotten), sleepless nights (because of violence), empty stomachs (change in regular life schedule), massive movements of people (seeking refuge in the stadium), fear (from bandits), and more fear (from police). Violence ensues, but can one really say its solely tribal with all of these factors? I would attribute the violence to poverty before tribalism, but obviously, its a blend of many woes.

Thoughts for the Day

2006-11-06T23:28:00.000-08:00

Alarm Clocks.
From my experience, very few Kenyans use alarm clocks. Some of asked me how we set our "mental alarm clock" when our hours of daylight very so much throughout the year. Nothing extraordinary, I just thought it was interesting.

Climate Control.
Beginning yesterday, the UN is hosting a conference of 6,000 attendees on Climate Control. Many believe this to be a very influential gathering, with high hopes of promises by developed nations. The industrial actions by many rich nations are thought to have disastrous impacts on poor countries' rising temperatures in the next hundred years. Some reports are calling for a 1% decrease in the world's production (GDP) to keep climate controlled.

Universities.
Unfortunately, most public Kenyan Universities are closed. There is a strike by the teachers union. Initially, the asked for a 600% increase in salary. Talks seemed as if they would settle around a 25% increase, but professors are still holding out. The University of Nairobi is the only public university that I know is still open.

Corruption.
Transparency International, a non-governmental organization, ranked 163 nations for their level of corruption. The least corrupt nation was Finland, with the most corrupt being Haiti. Unfortunately, Kenya was ranked 142, or the 21st most corrupt nation. They estimate that this results in nearly 85 Billion Kenyan Shillings lost. That is near $1.25 Billion. (http://www.transparency.org/news_room/in_focus/cpi_2006/cpi_table).

Clashes.
The news has featured several tribal clashes, which seem to continue throughout Kenya. Homes are burned, and those thought responsible are killed. The Government of Kenya is sending military officials to guard the areas, but it does not seem to stop the raids. Unfortunately, angry mobs usually get to the suspected arsonists before the police. Hundreds of houses have been burned (in rural villages), and many lives have been lost. Last week, I heard a report on the radio of a man being burned to death because he stole a banana from a village.

Well, I know this hasn't been the most uplifting entry, but its important for everyone to know that this exists! Please take note these clashes are far from anywhere I have or would ever go, and I am in no danger whatsoever. But pray that the police can control these situations, stop the burnings, and murders.

Mombasa Pictures Cont'd...

2006-11-06T00:07:00.000-08:00

Picture 1: Nice hot, humid, sticky day on the streets of Mombasa.
Picture 2: Old, historical park few minutes from the office. Many people lounge here all day and enjoy the shade.
Picture 3: Beautiful tree found in same park.
Picture 4: One of the oldest streets in Mombasa (like 1400's). Sign says "Mlango wa Papa" meaning Shark Door. They are right on the water, so I'll start the rumor that sharks used to get washed up into the street, and float in the doors of their homes and workplace!
Picture 5: Another old market street. Not the best place for cars!

Greetings!

2006-11-05T07:18:00.000-08:00

Well, this past week has been quite busy, and I apologize for not putting an update up earlier! Steve (the Director of Fullscale Business Trust) and I were busy finding women entrepreneurs that qualified for a program through the International Finance Corporation. Also, I have continued my business visits, and visited a dressmaker, and a few new FBT members.

I celebrated my birthday this past week in Mombasa. While it was quite a different experience being away from so many friends and family, I had an enjoyable evening with my host family. Also, Martin and Elizabeth and I went out the evening after and had a great time.

It looks like I will be coming home for the holidays! There were a few uncertainties, but the PWW US Staff has cleared my plans. I am keeping a rigorous schedule on the loan tracking software with Fullscale before my departure, but I am confident that all will be accomplished!

Just this evening, I returned to Nairobi. I will be in Nairobi for the next four days for a monthly meeting of Board Members and staff of the 3 loan groups. This APEX group meets monthly to plan for the upcoming international business conference in March.

Tomorrow, I will put up the other pictures I took that were not able to download last week. I will also give a little more detail to what I've been up to!

Thanks to all who gave birthday greetings! Blessings,

Greg

2006-11-02T23:33:00.000-08:00

Pictures: (many more to come, computer issues...0
1. Visiting a dressmaker business in old town, Mombasa
2. Celebrating my friend Anne's graduation!

Mombasa - Week 2

2006-10-27T00:17:00.000-07:00

Weather.
It seems as if the rainy season is over, and sunny Mombasa is in full force. I prepared myself just in time by buying a fan in the local market. And now, I’ll be understanding why people look at me funny when I ask if there are any hot water showers in Mombasa :)

Work.
Work continues to go well, and my time has been primarily consisting of visiting businesses, and typing data into spreadsheets for the Loan Software. I definitely enjoy meeting the members to give a break to the somewhat tedious data entry :) Yesterday, I met two members; one lady, Grace, transports sand and building materials throughout Mombasa. The other business is a recording studio, video production, and electronic repair.

Yesterday evening, I had my first meeting with the Board of Fullscale Business Trust. They greeted me with open arms, and I am anxious to visit their places of work.

Today, I will be visiting two more businesses.

Kenya.
I’ve had a few conversations in the past few days on “Kenya” that I found very interesting. One Kenyan I spoke with did his schooling in India, and came back to Kenya after university. He told me that, “Kenya is a good country, it is just trying to develop faster than its able.” I have also found this statement very true. One barrier to development is the lack of adequate structures in place to facilitate growth (adequate roads, clean water, education, government, medicine, trash collection, etc…).

Another mzee (Swahili respectful term for “older man”), spoke to me of his time serving in the Government before independence. I was very curious to how a liberated country looked under colonial order. When I asked about the government, and general population, I was surprised that he said that more equality was in place before independence. He told me that the Western leaders had no sense of “tribalism,” and chose officials based on qualifications, rather than tribe. He, Barak Obama (in his visit to Kenya last month), and every Kenyan I’ve spoke with, acknowledges “tribalism” as one of the largest forms of government corruption.

Thought for the Day: It began with a truck...
When I asked Grace (the woman I met with yesterday) how she started a transport business, I had no idea how involved her answer would be!
She spoke that her mother owned a small shop, and became tired of paying the high mark-up trucking companies charged on supplying products. Therefore, she decided to invest in a large shipping truck. After the purchase, Grace’s mother recognized the truck was a very poor business investment. The truck consumed both her expenses and time.
When Grace’s brother became of working age, he maintained the truck, and began shipping. Tragically, he died in an automobile accident. At the funeral, Grace was asked what she was going to do with her life. She spoke that she would continue her brother’s work on the truck. Grace then bought a 2nd, a 3rd, and a 4th, and now single-handedly runs a transport company with 12 staff.

More Pictures from Mombasa...

2006-10-24T02:11:00.000-07:00

Pictures.
1. Beach Air. This is the Safari Tour Company member of Full Scale that Steve and I visited during our time in "South Coast."
2. Steve and I on the beach.
3.Windsurfing! Yep, thats me.
4. Again :)
5.Tuk-Tuks. These taxis are a very popular form of transportation. Any ride in the city is 50 shillings ($.75).
6. Military Band. This band marches around the city playing the day before Kenyatta Day. This serves as a reminder for the upcoming holiday.
7. Sharon and Albert. These are the children that I live with in my home in Mombasa.
8. Ginja. This woman is a member of Fullscale and sells second-hand electronics and washing machines.

Holiday Weekend.
Last weekend, Steve (Director of Fullscale Business Trust) and I spent our Kenyatta Day (Holiday celebrating the first President of Kenya) on the beach! We found a great rate on a hotel, and the weather was nice. Also, I tested my skills at windsurfing. While I didn't ride any major waves, I stayed up, and almost managed to switch directions!
Also on our visit, I met a FBT member who owns a Safari Tour Business. I suggested that he have a website that Westerners can visit, because most of his customers are "last minute shoppers."

Also, this weekend, I traveled my host mom's brother's home. It is a beautiful estate on 3 acres of beach front propert. We had a great dinner with a Member of Parliament's wife. She spoke to us about the difficulties of serving in a public office in Kenya. One issue that I found interesting was "dishing" during campaigning. You literally bring tons of small bills and hand out money to potential voters. Since this is a common practice, most running for this political position have quite a time with people harassing them. David, the brother of my host mom, said that when he ran in the late 90's, he had 200 people at his gate every morning waiting to tell their story of why they deserved money. He even had someone come into his bedroom and wake him up to share their request!

Thought for the Day: Top Lines Vendors Use To Sell Their Goods.
Being a Westerner in Kenya means that you have a sign on your head, "Try and Sell Me Something." Here are the most common lines that I have been given to buy something:
1. Promote small businesses!
2. Sir, we are brothers (when its a man). Brother to brother, please.
3. You are my first customer, and that means you get a special price!
4. I can tell you have been here for a while, so I won't sell to you the same price I would see to a tourist...

About a Week In...

2006-10-18T05:48:00.000-07:00

Nearly A Week.
in Mombasa, I am beginning to find my way around the town, and have a clear view of what my time with Fullscale Business Trust (FBT) will consist of.

While it took me several months to feel comfortable in Nairobi, the time it has taken me to become acclimated with Mombasa has been much less! Mombasa is much smaller and slower. I think its being so near the water, and also the hot weather. Steve, the Director of FBT told me that few thefts occur because it’s just too hot for the criminal to run! Lucky for me!

In these past few days, Steve and I have met with two Muslim woman; one banker and one doctor. Our meetings have been primarily educational to learn more of their culture, specifically relating to lending and finance. The first woman works at a large multi-national bank, and gave me a thorough overview of the Muslim perspective of money and lending. In my words…

To Muslims, money has no intrinsic value. It is only a means of exchange, and bartering is
actually preferred. Islam looks harshly on exploiting individuals monetarily. The religion
considers any form of market-fixed rate is exploitative in nature. The only legitimate way
to receive a loan is by negotiating a commission with the loan officer. The loan company
(bank) will buy the product for you, and you will pay them back in full, with addition to a
negotiated commission. Many of the large multi-national banks are working to serve
Muslims by creating banking products that comply with their faith.

I am learning a great deal about being a minority in my religion. Walking past Mosques (especially now during Ramadan), I often hear the prayers, and see the men flowing in and out. I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the Muslim way of life during my time in Mombasa. The women we spoke with revealed many needs within the Muslim community. Since they do not purchase loans, they count on wealthy Muslims to lend the money at 0% interest, but this rarely happens. Both women told us that this leads to extreme poverty and drug use within the Muslim community.

Funny Story.
My Swahili is finally getting some good usage! Yesterday, I was in a store buying a T-Shirt, and the man selling me the shirt spoke quickly in Swahili to his partner about how he really wants to make this sale to this white person. I smiled. And they look at each other and say, “Did you understand us?” I said “Najua Kiswahili kidogo,” meaning I know some Kiswahili. They laughed, and then another worker came up and asked me in Swahili if I liked the color of the shirt they chose, and I answered, “Rangi sawa.” (Good color). I felt pretty good!

Holiday.
Friday is Kenyatta Day, a National Holiday. Tomorrow, Steve and I are visiting some businesses in the South Coast District. After our visits, we are going to stay the night in South Coast, and relax on Friday. It has rained 4 out of the past 5 days, so pray that we’ll have some sunshine! They say that if a visitor is blessed he comes with rain, so my host family continues to tell me how blessed I am!

Thought for the Day: Insurance.
While drivers insurance is required in the US for driving, they say 1 in 4 drivers is driving uninsured. Kenya has found a way to reduce this percentage that the US should take heed to! Tape your Insurance information on your windshield! Kenyan Traffic Police only need to have a look at your front left corner of your windshield to see if you are currently insured. Since police stops are frequent, this acts as a great deterrent to those who would otherwise drive without insurance.

Mombasa - Day 1

2006-10-17T05:32:00.000-07:00

Hello from Mombasa! I wish I could say from Sunny Mombasa, but……just Hello from Mombasa!

Train.
As I had written, I traveled to Mombasa by train. After convincing the train people that I needed my own cabin (They put me with a 70 year old man who gave me the top bunk, and I had no room for my luggage), it was quite enjoyable. The food was good, and the company was as well. I met many western travelers, and also spoke to two consultants that work for Technoserve (technoserve.org). At the Harvard Business Conference, I had met their President, and I have come to really appreciate the work they do! I hope to meet up with these consultants in Nairobi and hear more of the specifics of Technoserve’s work in Kenya.

While 10 hours of the ride were in the dark, I enjoyed the 3 lit hours of Kenyan countryside. It was fun to see the children line up to wave and cheer as we traveled past small towns and villages. On one occasion, I was hanging out the window waving at a big group of children. Suddenly, the train stopped (I hadn’t noticed that we were at a station), and the children’s hands flipped from waves, to cupping for monetary support! Knowing I had no small coins, I went through my bag and found my chocolate. I split it up in small pieces and gave it to the children. It reminded me of a Pacer’s game when the threw out the free T-Shirts! Not that handouts are the best method to deal with poverty, but it was fun for them, and me too J

Mombasa.
I could hear many locals yelling “Karibu Mombasa!” (Welcome to Mombasa) when the train pulled in the station. After getting my things, I met the friendly face Steve Kegode, the Director of Fullscale Business Trust.

We traveled to my Mombasa home, and I met the entire family that I would be living with. Yego (father), Ann (mother), Sharon (daughter), and Albert (son). I’ve enjoyed my time, and it is definitely different living dynamics changing from an apartment with Martin, to living in a home with a family with children. Much of my time spent relaxing in Nairobi will now be filled with kicking a “football”, and teaching Albert and Sharon how to navigate through my iPod.

One perk that I could get used to is their chef! In Kenya, househelp and cooks are less a status symbol, and more a way to reach out and help those that came from your hometown. With such high unemployment, househelp and cooks usually have no other opportunities for employment.

Yesterday, I went to Mombasa Pentecostal Church with the family. (A Thought for the Day is coming on Churches!). I actually saw a friend of mine from my Bible Study in Nairobi. She had recently moved from Nairobi to Mombasa, so it will be good to have a friend in the area!

Thought for the Day. “mmmmm.”
When a Westerner reads “mmmmm,” we usually think of satisfaction for a meal. Well, in Kenya, “mmmmm” is one of the most common words I have come across! Let me explain.

It seems that every country has their linguistic tendencies. Words or saying that just seem to find their way into conversations. “Ya know” and “like” are two of the majors in America. When people speak in Kenya, their statements are much more often affirmed from the listeners that what occurs in the US. Also, rather than affirming with a gently spoken “ok” or “yes”, the “mmmmmm” is much more common and acceptable.

“Mmmmm” can take on many forms. The half second “mm”, can be spoken as “I’m with ya, continue”. The one and a half second “mmmmmm”, can mean, “Ok, I see what you are getting at.” The gradually declining pitch, “mmmmm,” can mean, “Ok, I am pondering, but I think I see what you are getting at….”The gradually raising pitch, “mmmmm?” can mean “is that so?” One can really carry an entire conversation (on the receiving end) if they know how to use their “mmmm’s” well.

In my opinion, using the “mmm” is the best way to act like you have been in the country a while even if you have not! People will see past your usage of common Swahili words and phrases, but the “mmm” will get you places!

Picture

2006-10-13T05:20:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of the orphans that Charles and Caroline Thing'o Kamau support!

On the Road

2006-10-13T04:58:00.000-07:00

This evening, I depart for my 13 hour train ride to Mombasa! I am very much looking forward to my stay with my host family, and my work with Fullscale Business Trust!

Yesterday, I had a great meeting with Caroline and Charles Kamau, two CHESS members, and owners of Data Tech Systems. I spent an hour and half with them in their business, and was very impressed with their ambition and initiative. It was interesting that they cited their largest problem in business being "middle men." They said if they could buy their raw materials directly from the source in Dubai, they would make 3 times the profit! The couple use most of their business profit to support an orphanage they started. They have 10 children, and hope to bring more if the finances come! I'll write more on their ministry later...

Today, I finished up my time with CHESS (for now). I passed on all the information I have received on the Loan Software to the accountant, and feel very comfortable in doing so!

Ok, I must go, Talk to you in Mombasa!

Greg

Thought for the Day: For Responsibility or for Love...
So during my time here, I have often wondered about what profession I will find myself in. Many times in these inquiries, I have thought, "What have I been given the responsibility, on this earth, to do?" If I commit my life to "development work" (and by that I mean growing busineses in a developing country), I think instead, my mindset should be, "What on this earth do I love to do?" I think that the "responsibility" mindset can leave many discouraged and downtrodden, because of how overwhelming poverty is. With that said, I will contiue to seek what I love, and call that my career.

After I was journaling on this, I read a quote from Bill Clinton on why he does development work. He said, "Always in my life, I've had a consuming interest in people, politics, and policy. I'm out of politics now except for whatever use I am to Hillary. But I'm not out of people and policy. My primary motivation is that I love this stuff." He continued, "99% of people in human history have had one choice in life, to work to live. If you're in that narrow class who can live to work, you are privileged not just now, but in any single moment that ever existed. If you can do something that makes a difference, you have a moral oblication. But it't not a burden, it's a joy. I think those are my motives, but who really knows?"

Picture and 1 more thing!

2006-10-11T09:23:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of Martin, Pellagia, and I standing on top of one of the Ugandan business owner's hotel. Behind us is controversally, the "Source of the Nile." I was told 7 regions claim this treasure, but this is definitely the real one!

Also, another great highlight of my time with Gayle and Pellagia was meeting with a loan group called Gitithia Rural Finance. They are a well organized group, growing at an incredible rate, with a current membership of 2,632. They also have an excellent social program I wanted to share with you all. Members of the savings group are required to give 10 shillings ($.15) per month to the charity.

Here is their own description, let me know if you are interested in giving! More info at Gitithiarural.com.

Gitithia PEFA Rural Agro Finance
Gitithia rural agro finance orphan support programme was started in 2002 due to the increase of orphans in our area of target (business). This increase was due to the deaths of parents through the AIDS pandemic.

Members started contributing 10 shillings willingly per month to support the orphans. We started with about 150 children. But due to financial constraints, we were unable to continue with the same number, because their demands were too high. The children needed school uniforms, books, and food. Currently, we have about 50 in our programme, and we give them food twice monthly. We also give them school uniforms and an education kit.

When we started this programme, AIC Kijabe Hospital supported us through training our staff on HIV basics, counseling, and home based care and giving referral forms to the infeced. Children are also being counseled and given spiritual nourishment. We also have a programme for the infected. We give them soft loans (no interest). This is done to help them start businesses. An example is raising chickens, and then we provide the market to sell the eggs.

Transitioning...

2006-10-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

Wow, its been quite a busy past week! As you remember from my last post, Gayle and Pellagia, two of the North American Staff were in East Africa for the Uganda Conference. This past week, we were all together in Kenya visiting businesses, schools, and having strategic meetings. It was really a great time together, and I enjoyed the opportunity to chat with both of them about my international experience. There is something about being able to really share your experience with others that helps in this inter-cultural experience!

Highlights with Gayle and Pellagia:

1. Visiting Heritage of Faith School. I didn't mention in my last post, but this school is an orphanage. Honestly, I did not know that at first, and didn't even think to ask (I thought it was just a boarding school), because the children were so happy. I spoke with a volunteer from Virginia that told me that these kids stay up dancing till midnight, and are up at 5 am doing their morning chores before school! While we just thought we were coming for a "walk through", the children had prepared an extensive dancing show for us, which was awesome! (pictures coming...)

2. Dinner at Safari Park. Ok, this was just awesome. This hotel is a bit outside Nairobi and boasts East's Africa's largest swimming pool. It has extensive garden grounds, and a really fun "African" atmosphere. They bring around massive mounds of meat, and you flag down the meat you would like slabbed on your plate. I had goat, crocodile, ostrich (my favorite), chicken, and beef. Afterwards, there was quite an impressive African dance show. This was also a great time to visit with the other North American guests that are potential partners in Kenya and Uganda.

3. Strategic Country Meeting. Yes, we did work too! And although this was on a Saturday morning, I really enjoyed the excitement that everyone in Partners shares for Kenya. The meeting was facilitated by Ruth Waweru, a consultant through Liason Consultants. We got a great deal done in just a few hours, and Kenya has a bright future with Partners worldwide in its future!

This week, I am transitioning from my job with CHESS in Kiambu to Full Scale Business Trust in Mombasa. I will be leaving this Friday evening on a 12 hour train ride. I am very excited about this new opportunity, but have a great deal to finish up on before Friday! Tomorrow, I will be visiting a printing business and asking questions concerning their business. I am also continuing to train the CHESS staff on the use of the Loan Performer software.

Well, it is nearly 7 pm, and still in the office, so I must go! I hope all are well, thanks to those who are emailing and keeping me updated on their lives!

Blessings,

Greg

Moving Right Along!

2006-10-03T22:12:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

Praise God that I'm feeling much better. I no longer have a fever, and my cold is on the decline. It is much easier to be in a distant land when you are at full health!

Starting this morning, Pellagia and Gayle, two of the North American Partners Staff, will be in Kenya visiting the Loan Groups. Martin and I will travel around with them as they observe and consult on their findings.

The first part of this week, I have been continuing my work with CHESS Loan Group in Kiambu. We are making progress on the Loan Software. I have also been working on revising their Field Report document which is used to evaluate member businesses on visits. I also plan to visit members, and work on their marketing strategy in weeks to come.

Also, there has been a change in my scheduling. I was previously planning on joining Kenya Investment Trust in Nairobi immediately following my work with CHESS Loan Group. Now, I will be working next with Fullscale Business Trust in Mombasa (on the coast), starting as early as September 15th. I will be with the group for around 3 months, and will come back to Nairobi occasionally to update Martin on my status, and visit the loan groups in Nairobi.

This morning, I will be attending a meeting of staff and Board Members of the 3 loan groups, also joining will be Gayle and Pellagia. One of the main purposes of this group of individuals is to prepare the East African Partners Conference for this March.

Thought for the Day: Indiana.
I have yet to run into a person who has not heard of Indiana. I don't know if all of the Kenyans are trying to be polite, or if they all really have heard of the state, but here's some random occurrences I've gathered that makes me think its true...Indiana is a big deal in Kenya.
1. I have seen more Indiana apparel that any other state in the US. Yes...you could make the argument, "well, you are looking for Indiana, and not all the other states," BUT I am pretty keen to US apparel. Just yesterday, I saw an Indiana Hoosiers sweatshirt, a Colts Jersey, and I traveled on a matatu with a lady wearing a Golf Invitational T-Shirt from Ball State University.
2. People here have been to Indiana. I have only met a few people who have traveled to the US, and only one at the Uganda conference. And where, may you ask, did she travel to? That's right, Indiana. Indianapolis and Bloomington to be exact. (Pretty crazy, the two places I've lived!).
3. My language school says they often host groups from Indiana. Just another to add to my theory :)

So therefore, I am doing my best to make Indiana the "cool" state of the US; diverting attention from the small unknown regions of Texas, California, and New York. If you are from the Hoosier State, continue sending your clothes to Goodwill, or helping the system, however it makes it to Kenya!

Prayer Requests:
That my cold continues to go away.
For an effective and fun week with Gayle and Pellagia.
For logistics concerning my upcoming travel to Mombasa.
That I am able to finish all of my tasks at CHESS before I leave for Fullscale.

More Pictures...

2006-10-01T06:58:00.000-07:00

The Bakery we visited in Ginja, Uganda.
Wood burning fire and deep frier. His crew
makes 1,500 loaves of bread
a day!

No, I wasn't on this boat. BUT I was compelled
to take a picture, because their comrades in the
raft before them capsized. They spent about 10
minutes stalling and strategizing before the
currents. Sorry to say, half of their crew also
flipped about 10 seconds after this was taken :(

Pictures from Uganda...

2006-10-01T06:07:00.000-07:00

Dan Blacklidge speaking to a small group at the
Uganda Christian Business Conference.

Pellagia and I at the Nile River!

An aerial view of Uganda's green fields!

Reunited at last! Me, Pellagia, Gayle, and Martin.

Uganda Christian Business Conference

2006-10-01T05:48:00.000-07:00

Uganda Christian Business Conference.
Martin and I return from Uganda encouraged at the passionate hearts of the ambitious entrepreneurs!

With around 100 in attendance, the Ugandan Christian Business Conference seemed to be quite a success! The attendees shared business advice, experience, and contact information; the speakers presented their messages with passion and motivation; and follow-up for a Partners Office in Uganda is in place.

I had the privilege of meeting and sharing with around twenty business people, and heard ideas from beaded necklaces to solar powered lanterns (I know, that was the joke as a kid...a solar powered flashlight....but I have grown up and seen that it is actually possible with stored energy). I listened to the problems that Ugandan business people deal with on a daily basis. Some are shared with Kenya, such as corruption and bribery from Government officials, and also heard new struggles such as electricity. One business man told me that his bakery cannot run without electricity, but their rule of thumb is that for evey 24 hours of electricity they have, they will not have electricity for an equal 24 hours.

Problems like this brought potential into the mind of Jimmy Bodo, who asked me to help him research how to make Uganda specific power generators. There were other requests for business advice and visits that were made, and hopefully I will get the opportunity to actualize them all.

On Saturday, Martin, Pellagia, Gayle, and 2 North American business visitors, and I visited a bakery and a hotel. These two businesses were members of a Ugandan Christian Business group, and were gracious in the time they gave us to tour their businesses. The hotel was on the Nile river, and so I was given the opportunity to view the longest river in the world!

Kampala, First Thoughts...
On my flight to Kampala, I quickly noticed how green it was compared to Kenya! I was never given a direct answer to this occurrence, but two theories were the altitude and Lake Victoria. When arriving in Kampala, I was first surpised by "Motorcycle taxis." Yes, nearly all taxis are mo-ped bikes; thousands of them flood the road. The issue of safety was also made apparent to me by a Kenyan. He said, "Look, there's a pick-up truck full of fruit, and there is no one sitting on it to make sure people don't steal it while its driving." Another observation was the size of the horns of a bull! Their horns looked like elephant tusks flipped up-side down!

I enjoyed my time with Gayle, Pellagia, and the North American partners, and look forward to their stay in Nairobi! This week will be very busy with preparing the loan software, and showing Gayle and Pellagia what Martin and I have been up to! Also, I am at about 70% health, so I will make sure to continue to take care of myself.

Blessings,

Greg

Off to Kampala

2006-09-27T08:30:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow morning, I will be flying to Kampala with Martin. We will be staying for 3 days for a Parnters Worldwide Conference that primarily takes place on Friday. While I will merely be in attendance, Martin is both leading a plenary and main session. The attendees will mostly be Ugandan entrepreneurs that are interested in "partnering" with Partners Worldwide. Also, potential North American partners will also be attending. I am very much looking forward to seeing Gayle and Pellagia, 2 of the North American staff!

Luckily, I am feeling much better than I had been the past 3 days. I had a 101 degree temperature, upset stomach, and stuffed up/coughing issues. After a visit to Nairobi Hospital, some meds, and assurance that this was not Typhoid or Malaria, I'm back near 100% full health.

Short update today, just wanted to keep everyone updated, I'll be back in Nairobi Saturday evening! Thank you all for your continued support!

Thought for the Day: Respect.
Ever since I was a child, my father has taught me to respect every individual. Regardless of race, age, or economic status, it has been ingrained inside me to hold others in a high level of respect. I think it surprises some that I wave or smile or say thank you to the service people here in Kenya, because they do not expect Americans to do so. One of my goals during my time here is to not respond how "a wealthy American" may tend to.
STORY:
Every day when I take my matatu from school to work, I make an effort to wave and say hello to all of the guards outside of my building. That may have NOTHING to do with this, but I couldn't believe this guard's kindness....
Last week, I was waiting in the lobby for Martin after work. He had met briefly with a friend and was coming to pick me up. I decided to wait outside under the awning of the building, and it really started raining! It felt nice and cool, so I just stayed standing under the awning. I noticed a security guard running through the rain from his post, and coming towards me. He said, "Sir, if you prefer to be outside, would you like me to get you a chair?". I said, "Well, Thank you, but no, I'm fine. I appreciate it." This guard ran through the rain from his post simply to see if I wanted a chair. What a nice guy! Anyway, it made my day. And yes, maybe he's just a nice guy to everyone, but maybe it is the respect for all that I have learned from my father. At any rate, showing others respect will never hurt!

A Week in Review

2006-09-25T02:38:00.001-07:00

Greetings,
Apologies for the delay in updates. I've had limited internet access, and have been quite busy lately! This past week was primarily devoted to working with the CHESS loan financing group in Kiambu. Most of my time was focused on the loan software, but Grace (Director of CHESS) informed me that my role may now shift to other parts of the loan organization, not just working on the loan software. On Friday, I visited a Technical Training Center that trained mostly woman on how to sew. They primarily make pillows, bed spreads, comforters, etc.... These producs are then sold in the marketplace. The owner, John Matheri, is a CHESS member. He was also the host of a cell group meeting that day that brought 20 CHESS members together to share questions and comments of their involvement with CHESS. I am still getting used to the laxed focus on time, since the meeting was supposed to start from 2-3 pm, and people were still arriving at 5:30!

On Friday and Saturday, I was the house guest of Grace and James Muchiri. We had a great time together, and they put much effort into making my time memorable. Friday night, we met with friends and had nyama choma. This is "barbecued meat" that they bring out on a big platter and everyone eats together. They also showed me the "happening places" in the "Upper Hill" area of Nairobi.

Saturday, I went "up-country" with them, and visited Grace's hometown of Githengeri. During our visit, we spent time at her father's milk and water business, as well as traveling to her family's tea, fruit, and vegetable farming fields. This was a great time, and I picked and tried many fruits!

That about sums up my good times in the past week. Unfortunately, Saturday evening to present, I have been feeling under the weather. I have a slight fever, and cold. I went to the hostpital and got some medicines, and I hope to be at full recovery by tomorrow or Wednesday.

Pictures of everything I've spoken of are on the way!

Blessings,

Greg